Zero Shutter Lag via Continuous Image Frame Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera functionalities in wireless devices often result in image blurring due to the time required for lens position adjustments, making it difficult to capture images while the camera or object is moving.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that continuously capture and process images before the shutter button is actuated, using a semiconductor image detector and image data processor to generate and store reduced-size JPEG files, allowing for immediate selection and display of the best image frame upon button activation, thereby minimizing shutter lag and blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the camera waits for lens position adjustment to complete before capturing an image, then image quality is improved, but shutter lag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera continuously captures and buffers multiple image frames before the shutter button is pressed, so that when the user activates the shutter, the image is already captured and can be displayed immediately without waiting for lens adjustment. This preliminary capture action eliminates shutter lag while maintaining image quality through post-capture frame selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the lens position during the continuous buffering period and uses shake correction functions to optimize image quality. By making the lens position adjustable during the buffering phase rather than requiring it to be fixed before capture, the system achieves both quick response and high image quality.
2Loss of time
If the camera captures images continuously before shutter activation, then shutter lag is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates multiple copies of image frames in a buffer memory during continuous capture. These copied frames are then evaluated for quality metrics (sharpness, noise, exposure) and the best copy is selected for final output. This copying approach allows rapid selection without requiring complex real-time processing during the actual shutter moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing function is segmented into distinct phases: continuous buffering of raw frames, quality evaluation of buffered frames, selection of the best frame, and final output. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving zero shutter lag.
3Speed
If lens position is adjusted quickly to reduce shutter lag, then response time is improved, but image blurring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens position adjustment is performed preliminarily during the continuous buffering phase before the shutter is activated. By completing the lens adjustment before the actual capture moment, the system achieves fast response time while ensuring the lens is properly positioned to avoid image blurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from shake detection and image quality evaluation to adjust lens position and capture timing. The feedback mechanism ensures that even when lens adjustment occurs rapidly, the final captured image meets quality standards by selecting frames captured at optimal lens positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, and an associated method, facilitates capturing an image in an electronic camera without having to wait for an image to settle or the camera to stabilize. Image frames are captured continuously. Data representing captured images is compressed. The compressed files are stored continuously, such that even before a shutter button is actuated, one or compressed image frames have already been recorded. When the shutter button is actuated, the largest of the compressed data files is selected for use, such as display, printing or transmission. Selection is made based on the size of the compressed image file.