Variable Duration Burst Mode Digital Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital cameras require users to manually set image capture settings for burst image capture modes, which can lead to unsatisfactory results due to unknown subject motion, and managing limited buffer memory is challenging during rapid image capture.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera with a variable time duration burst capture mode that dynamically adjusts frame rates and designates stored images for overwrite in the buffer memory, allowing for continuous capture without pre-specifying the burst duration or adjusting settings based on subject motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user manually sets image capture settings for burst mode, then the camera can capture images at controlled frame rates, but the user must guess appropriate settings in advance which leads to unsatisfactory results when subject motion is unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system automatically determines appropriate burst mode settings by analyzing motion characteristics extracted from captured images. The processor monitors subject motion and dynamically adjusts capture parameters without requiring user intervention or pre-setting, allowing the system to serve itself by adapting to unknown motion conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors captured images to detect motion characteristics and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust burst mode settings. The processor analyzes motion between frames and modifies capture parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing motion conditions
2Productivity
If the camera captures rapid bursts of images, then the capture rate increases, but the buffer memory fills up quickly requiring interruption of capture
Solution Approach 1:
The camera dynamically adjusts the burst mode time duration based on real-time buffer status and motion characteristics. The processor monitors buffer fill level and automatically extends or truncates the capture sequence, allowing flexible adaptation between fixed duration modes and motion-based dynamic duration modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the time duration parameter of burst mode capture based on buffer capacity and motion analysis. When motion is detected and buffer space is sufficient, the system extends capture duration; when buffer fills or motion ceases, it terminates capture, optimizing the balance between capture productivity and memory management
3Quantity of substance
If the buffer memory capacity is increased, then more images can be stored, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of motion characteristics during the capture process to predict when the buffer will fill or when motion ceases. This allows the processor to proactively manage buffer space by extending or terminating capture sequences before critical situations occur, optimizing memory usage without requiring excessive memory capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera for having a variable time duration burst capture mode, comprising: an image sensor; an optical system; a data processing system; a frame buffer memory; and a program memory. The program memory stores instructions including: specifying a first frame rate; initiating an image capture sequence; storing a sequence of digital images captured at the first frame rate in the frame buffer memory; determining whether the frame buffer memory has been filled to a predetermined capacity. If the frame buffer memory has been filled to the predetermined capacity, the program memory further includes instructions for specifying a second frame rate, wherein the second frame rate is lower than the first frame rate; designating a set of stored digital images that can be overwritten; and storing a sequence of digital images captured at the second frame rate in the frame buffer memory, overwriting the designated set of stored digital images.