Temporal Image Buffer Using Compressed Raw Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storing raw images in digital cameras requires significant memory space and processing power, limiting flexibility, especially in serial shooting modes where buffer sizes become large and image capture is restricted.
Innovation Solution
Storing raw images in a compressed format using a simple compression method that allows easy decoding and processing from any image position without additional overhead, utilizing methods like DPCM/PCM codec, which is compatible with SMIA standards and does not introduce visible artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If raw images are stored in uncompressed format in memory buffer, then image processing flexibility is maintained, but memory space requirements become very large especially in serial shooting mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the raw image data into multiple separate buffers (first buffer for current frame, second buffer for previous frame) and applies different processing paths to each. This allows selective compression and processing of individual frames while maintaining the ability to access and process images in flexible sequences, thereby reducing overall memory requirements while preserving processing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data representation parameters by storing only differential information (delta values) rather than complete raw image data in the second buffer. This parameter transformation significantly reduces the amount of data that needs to be stored while maintaining the capability to reconstruct and process images as needed, thus resolving the contradiction between memory efficiency and processing flexibility.
2Productivity
If uncompressed raw images are stored for serial shooting, then all images can be processed, but buffer size rapidly becomes very large restricting number of captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential differential information needed for image processing in the second buffer, rather than storing complete uncompressed images. This extraction of critical data elements allows many more images to be captured and processed within the same buffer capacity, directly increasing productivity while controlling buffer size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial storage by keeping only the necessary previous frame data (in differential form) in the second buffer, rather than storing all possible image data. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for processing multiple images in sequence while using minimal buffer space, enabling higher capture rates without proportionally increasing buffer requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If compression methods like JPEG or MPEG are used to reduce memory space, then storage efficiency improves, but processing power requirements increase and processing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple differential encoding scheme that creates lightweight, easily processed data representations. The compressed differential data in the second buffer can be quickly decoded and combined with current frame data without requiring complex decompression algorithms, thus reducing processing power requirements while achieving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the data into a differential parameter representation that is both space-efficient and computationally simple to process. By storing differences rather than absolute values, the system achieves compression without the complexity of traditional JPEG/MPEG algorithms, and the differential data can be rapidly processed by simple addition operations during image reconstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for capturing and storing digital images. Instead of processing images on the fly or storing images in a raw format, the present invention involves the compression of captured images before the images are stored. When it is desirable to display an image, the particular image can be decoded and processed as necessary. The present invention reduces the amount of storage space necessary for each image. A variety of compression algorithms and systems can be used in conjunction with the present invention.