Raw Image Development via External Parameter Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing raw image data in digital cameras require significant processing power, making it inconvenient and costly to perform raw image development, especially when using low-performance devices, as they often necessitate expensive hardware or dedicated applications to efficiently process images.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus that generates raw data and includes a non-transitory memory for storing interface information, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving development parameters, and an image processing unit that performs development processing based on these parameters, allowing for efficient image development on external devices with improved parameter setting and display capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If raw image development is performed on a low-performance PC, then processing cost is reduced, but processing time increases significantly (several minutes per image)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the raw image development system into two segments: a low-performance PC that handles only interface display and parameter setting, and a digital camera with a dedicated hardware development unit that performs the actual image processing. This segmentation allows the time-consuming development operation to be executed efficiently on specialized hardware while keeping the PC requirements minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication interface between the PC and the digital camera. The PC transmits parameter information to the camera's development unit, which then processes the raw images according to these parameters. This intermediary setup enables the PC to control the processing without needing to perform the computationally intensive development operation itself.
2Loss of time
If raw image development is performed on a high-performance PC, then processing speed is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the digital camera to perform raw image development on its own using a dedicated hardware development unit. The camera self-services the development operation that previously required external PC processing, eliminating the need for expensive high-performance PCs while maintaining fast processing speeds through specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/software-based image development system (requiring powerful PC processors) with a dedicated hardware development unit embedded in the digital camera. This hardware substitution provides efficient processing without the need for expensive general-purpose computing resources.
3Loss of time
If raw image development is performed in a digital camera main body, then processing time is reduced, but parameter setting complexity increases due to limited display and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PC serve multiple functions: it acts as both the parameter setting interface and the display device for the development parameters. The PC's large display and comprehensive input capabilities are utilized for user interaction, while the actual processing occurs in the camera. This universal use of the PC resolves the limitation of small camera displays and few controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional workflow where the PC would receive processed images. Instead, the raw images remain in the camera, and the PC only transmits parameter information to the camera for processing. This inversion allows the camera to perform the heavy lifting while the PC provides the user interface, combining the advantages of both systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus is described. The electronic apparatus includes: a photographing unit which generates raw data by photographing processing; a non-transitory memory which stores interface information for displaying, on a display unit of an external device, a development interface which receives setting operations that set development parameters used in development processing of the raw data; a communication unit which transmits the interface information to the external device and receives from the external device the development parameters set on the external device; and an image processing unit which, based on the development parameters received from the communication unit, performs the development processing of the raw data and generates development data for display.