Video Control Device Exposure Adjustment for RAW and Video Recording Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video recording devices struggle to perform imaging with appropriate exposure values depending on whether pixel data before demosaicing processing is recorded.

Innovation Solution

A video control device with a storage unit for temporarily storing pixel data, a development processing unit for performing demosaicing and other image processing, and a mode switch control unit that switches between recording modes and controls the imaging sensor to use different exposure values based on the recording mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pixel data before demosaicing processing is recorded, then the dynamic range is widened and flexibility in subsequent development processing is enhanced, but the exposure value becomes inappropriate for standard video recording

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in subsequent development processingVSAvoidexposure value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the recording process into two distinct modes: a first recording mode that records only video data with exposure optimized for standard video, and a second recording mode that records both video data and pixel data before demosaicing processing. This segmentation allows each mode to have optimized exposure settings for its specific purpose, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and exposure accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different exposure values based on the selected recording mode. The control unit adjusts the exposure value of the imaging sensor according to whether the first or second recording mode is active, enabling the system to adapt its exposure characteristics in real-time to match the recording requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single exposure value is used for both recording modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging quality becomes inappropriate for at least one mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure control mechanismVSAvoidimaging quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the exposure value of the imaging sensor based on the selected recording mode. When the first recording mode is selected, a first exposure value optimized for standard video is used; when the second recording mode is selected, a second exposure value optimized for capturing both video and RAW data is used. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by implementing complexity only when needed to maintain imaging quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the exposure parameter of the imaging sensor according to the recording mode. By modifying this critical parameter based on operational requirements, the system achieves appropriate imaging quality for each mode without requiring fundamentally different hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If different exposure values are used for different recording modes, then the imaging quality is optimized for each mode, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidexposure control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging sensor and control unit serve multiple functions: they can operate in a first recording mode recording only video data, and a second recording mode recording both video data and pixel data before demosaicing processing. The control unit universally manages exposure adjustment across both modes, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of information

If pixel data before demosaicing processing is recorded, then the data volume increases providing more information for processing, but the recording efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation retentionVSAvoidrecording efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data recording into optional modes where users can choose between recording only video data (first recording mode, higher efficiency) or recording both video data and pixel data before demosaicing processing (second recording mode, maximum information retention). This segmentation allows users to balance information retention against recording efficiency based on their specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250193356A1Video control device, video recording device, video control method, video recording method, and video control program

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A transitory storage unit temporarily stores pixel data output from an imaging unit. A development processing unit outputs video data obtained by performing development processing including demosaicing processing on the pixel data stored in the transitory storage unit. An output control unit switches between a first recording mode in which only the video data out of the video data and the pixel data is used as recording data and a second recording mode in which the video data and the pixel data are used as the recording data. In addition, the output control unit controls the imaging unit to perform imaging with different exposure values between the first recording mode and the second recording mode.