RAW Image Processing Apparatus with Segmented Data Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-level shooting performance and fast image output while managing the processing load and power consumption associated with handling RAW images, which also complicates ease of use due to format incompatibilities between devices.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes an imaging unit for acquiring RAW images, a reduction unit to generate reduced RAW images, and separate developing units for real-time live view processing and high-quality processing, allowing for efficient recording and reproduction of images, with a switchable configuration to optimize processing based on shooting and reproduction modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time developing processing is performed in parallel with shooting, then high-level shooting performance is achieved, but circuits become occupied and electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAW image data into two parts: a reduced RAW image (lower resolution) and a normal RAW image (full resolution). The reduced RAW image is used for real-time developing processing during shooting, while the normal RAW image is stored for later high-quality processing. This segmentation allows real-time processing to occur with reduced computational load and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a reduced copy of the RAW image data at lower resolution. This reduced copy serves as a surrogate for real-time display and processing purposes, eliminating the need to process full-resolution RAW images in real-time, thereby reducing circuit occupation and power consumption while maintaining shooting performance.
2Device complexity
If RAW images are recorded without being developed, then processing load is reduced, but prompt reproduction and display becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary developing processing on the reduced RAW image during the shooting phase. This preliminary action produces a developed image that can be immediately displayed, while the full-resolution RAW image is preserved for later processing. This eliminates the need for time-consuming developing processing at the moment of reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image data into reduced RAW images (processed in real-time) and normal RAW images (stored for later use). This segmentation allows the system to provide fast image output through the pre-processed reduced images while maintaining the option for high-quality processing of the full-resolution images when needed.
3Reliability
If conventional RAW image recording formats are used, then data integrity is maintained, but compatibility across different devices is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a universal file format (such as MP4 or MOV) that can store both the reduced RAW image data and normal RAW image data in a standardized structure. This format is widely supported across different devices and software, enabling the RAW image data to be reproduced and processed on various platforms while maintaining data integrity through proper encoding and metadata preservation.
4Manufacturing precision
If the number of pixels per image is increased, then image quality is improved, but the amount of processing for developing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-resolution RAW image data into a reduced-resolution version for real-time processing and a full-resolution version for storage. This allows the system to handle high pixel counts without requiring full processing power for real-time operations, as the reduced version requires significantly less processing circuitry while the full-resolution data is preserved for later high-quality processing when computational resources are available.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that handles RAW images favorably performs display when shooting and display when reproducing. The apparatus images a subject and generates RAW images, and reduces the RAW images and generates reduced RAW images. The RAW images and reduced RAW images are recorded in a recording medium. When shooting, the reduced RAW images are subjected to developing processing for display, and when reproducing, the reduced raw images recorded in the recording medium are acquired and subjected to developing processing in accordance with instructions to reproduce, and each is used for display.