Variable Frame Rate Digital Camera Motion Detection Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras store all image frames at a fixed rate, leading to inefficient use of storage capacity when capturing subjects with little motion, as substantially similar frames are repeated, consuming unnecessary memory resources.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera system that dynamically adjusts frame rates based on subject motion speed, using a digital signal processor to calculate motion vectors and determine variable frame rates, reducing frame rates in low-speed motion sections and increasing them in high-speed sections, thereby optimizing storage by removing redundant frames and encoding frames accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed frame rate is used to capture all image frames, then the motion of subjects is recorded consistently, but substantially similar frames are repeated consuming storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed frame rate to a variable frame rate system. The frame rate is dynamically adjusted based on the motion speed of the subject: high frame rates are used when the subject moves quickly to capture motion details, while low frame rates are used when the subject is stationary or moves slowly to reduce redundant frame storage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable motion recording and reducing storage consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of frame rate from a constant value to a variable value based on motion detection. By monitoring subject motion and adjusting the frame rate parameter accordingly, the system maintains adequate motion capture reliability when needed while minimizing storage usage during low-motion periods. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different recording scenarios optimally.
2Speed
If a high frame rate is used to capture fast motion, then smooth reproduction is achieved, but storage capacity is consumed unnecessarily during low motion sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frame rate based on the speed of subject motion. When fast motion is detected, the frame rate increases to capture sufficient temporal detail for smooth reproduction. When slow or no motion is detected, the frame rate decreases to minimize data generation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between capturing fast motion effectively and minimizing overall data size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by applying different frame rates to different time segments of the video recording based on local motion characteristics. Instead of using a uniformly high frame rate throughout, the system identifies sections with fast motion and applies high frame rates only to those specific segments, while using lower frame rates in sections with slow motion. This localized adaptation reduces overall data size while maintaining quality where needed.
3Quantity of substance
If substantially similar frames are removed to save storage, then memory resources are saved, but motion smoothness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which frames to retain or discard based on motion analysis. When motion is detected between frames, the system retains those frames to maintain motion smoothness and visual continuity. When frames are substantially similar and no significant motion occurs, the system safely discards redundant frames to save storage. This dynamic frame selection process preserves motion smoothness while maximizing storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by continuously analyzing the content of captured frames to determine whether subsequent frames contain significant motion changes. The system uses motion detection algorithms to provide feedback on whether frames are substantially similar, and based on this feedback, decides whether to retain or discard frames. This feedback mechanism ensures that motion smoothness is maintained by retaining frames when motion occurs, while saving storage by discarding redundant frames when motion is absent.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera capable of variably setting a frame rate may include an imaging device which outputs a plurality of temporally continuous image frames when photographing a moving image. The digital camera may also include a digital signal processor that determines a frame rate with which the image frames are filed, wherein the digital signal processor variably determines the frame rate according to a motion speed of a subject in the frames. The digital camera may further include a recording medium in which the filed image frames are stored. Accordingly, as the frame rate is varied according to the motion of a subject, the motion of the subject can be smoothly realized in a high motion speed section from a reproduction perspective, and substantially repeated image frames can be removed in a low speed motion section. Thus, the size of moving image files can be reduced, saving memory resources.