RAW Image Output Layout for Metadata-Rich YCC 4:2:2 Video

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging technologies face image degradation due to embedding metadata in chrominance portions of video data, limiting the amount of metadata that can be embedded.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus generates RAW images and corresponding metadata, arranging them in a luminance-chrominance-chrominance (YCC) 4:2:2 format, and outputs them in a video format without causing image degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If metadata is embedded in chrominance portions of video data, then the amount of metadata that can be transmitted is increased, but image degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of metadataVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video data structure into separate luminance (Y) and chrominance (Cb, Cr) components in YCC 4:2:2 format. By separating these components, the invention allows metadata to be embedded in the chrominance portions without affecting the luminance portion, thereby transmitting more metadata while preserving image quality in the luminance channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If a larger amount of metadata is embedded in video data, then more information can be transmitted, but image degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetadata informationVSAvoidimage degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by embedding metadata specifically in the chrominance portions (Cb and Cr components) of the YCC 4:2:2 video format, while keeping the luminance portion (Y component) free of metadata embedding. This localized approach allows maximum metadata embedding in less critical chrominance areas without degrading the more important luminance image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If metadata is embedded in video data, then the utility of the video data is improved, but the complexity of the data structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutility of video dataVSAvoiddata structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the existing YCC 4:2:2 video format structure, which is a universal standard already widely supported. By leveraging this existing multi-functional format that separates luminance and chrominance, the invention can embed metadata without creating a entirely new complex data structure, thus improving utility while maintaining compatibility with standard video processing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12634593B2Imaging apparatus configured to generate raw image, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 CANON KK

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes a first generation unit configured to generate a RAW image, a second generation unit configured to generate metadata corresponding to the RAW image, an arrangement unit configured to arrange the RAW image generated by the first generation unit and the metadata generated by the second generation unit in an image area in a video format in luminance-chrominance-chrominance (YCC) 4:2:2 format, and an output unit configured to output the RAW image and the metadata arranged in the image area in the video format in YCC 4:2:2 format by the arrangement unit.