Image clarity evaluation method, image clarity evaluation apparatus, and image clarity evaluation program

Abstract

The clarity of the curved surface of the object being evaluated is correlated with the judgment value for clarity equivalent to a flat surface and the result of the clarity evaluation determined by human subjectivity. [Solution] The image clarity determination and evaluation device comprises a standard image clarity database 1 which summarizes the correlation between data measured for the surface characteristics of a flat painted surface of an object and the results of sensory evaluation of the painted surface; a measurement data acquisition unit 2 which acquires measurement data relating to the surface characteristics of the painted surface of an object to be evaluated; a determination value acquisition unit 3 which acquires a determination value for flat-equivalent image clarity for the measurement data based on the measurement data and the standard image clarity database 1; a concave curved surface determination unit 5 which determines whether or not the shape of the painted surface is a concave curved surface; and an image clarity correction processing unit 6 which performs a correction to worsen the determination value for flat-equivalent image clarity if it is determined to be a concave curved surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distinctness-of-image determination / evaluation method, a distinctness-of-image determination / evaluation apparatus, and a distinctness-of-image determination / evaluation program for determining or evaluating the distinctness of the painted surface of an object to be evaluated.

Background Art

[0002] The distinctness-of-image determination / evaluation apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a light source that irradiates a laser onto a flat surface of an object, a photodetector that detects the laser light reflected by this flat surface and sends out an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of that light, and a computing device that calculates a quality index for the surface from the electrical signal. And in the distinctness-of-image determination / evaluation apparatus, the distinctness of the flat surface of the object is quantified based on the quality index.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The distinctness-of-image determination / evaluation apparatus of Patent Document 1 discloses quantifying the distinctness of the flat surface of an object, but no consideration is given to the determination or evaluation of the distinctness of the curved surface of the object.

[0005] Also, unlike the flat surface of an object, for the curved surface of an object, generally, there is a tendency for the determination results to differ between the distinctness determined by measuring the curved surface of the object with a measuring device and the distinctness subjectively determined by a person looking at the image formed on the curved surface of the object in a so-called sensory evaluation based on the inspector's perception. This is because a person's eyes are affected by the reflection of light when looking at a curved surface.

[0006] This invention was devised in view of the conventional situation, and one of its objectives is to provide a clarity evaluation method, a clarity evaluation device, and a clarity evaluation program that can correlate the clarity evaluation result of a flat surface equivalent determined by a device with the clarity evaluation result determined by a human subject regarding the clarity of a curved surface of an object to be evaluated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for determining and evaluating image clarity. In this method, based on measurement data and a reference image clarity database, a determination value for planar equivalent image clarity, corresponding to the image clarity of a planar painted surface, is obtained for the measurement data. The shape of the painted surface is determined to be a concave curved surface or not. If it is determined to be a concave curved surface, a correction is made to worsen the determination value for planar equivalent image clarity.

[0008] Alternatively, the present invention relates to a method for determining and evaluating image clarity, in which, based on measurement data and a reference image clarity database, a determination value for planar equivalent image clarity corresponding to the image clarity of a planar painted surface is obtained for the measurement data, it is determined whether or not the shape of the painted surface is a convex curved surface, and if it is determined to be a convex curved surface, a correction is made to improve the determination value for planar equivalent image clarity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a determination value for flat-equivalent clarity is obtained for measurement data that may include curved surfaces, and a correction is made to this determination value based on the curved shape. This allows for correlation between the determination result of flat-equivalent clarity determined by the device and the evaluation result of clarity determined subjectively by a person. In one embodiment, the determination result of flat-equivalent clarity determined by the device can be correlated with the subjective evaluation result of clarity by a person, which indicates that the image appears worse than when it is flat. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the determination result of flat-equivalent clarity determined by the device can be correlated with the subjective evaluation result of clarity by a person, which indicates that the image appears better than when it is flat. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram of the image clarity evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between optical images, ray trajectories, and mappings on a plane, a concave surface, and a convex surface, respectively. [Figure 3] This graph shows the results of sensory evaluation of curved surfaces. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the control flow of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of the image clarity evaluation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the control flow of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a functional block diagram of the image clarity evaluation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the control flow of the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a functional block diagram of the image clarity evaluation device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the control flow of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the control flow of the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the image clarity determination and evaluation apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 shows a functional block diagram of the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the first embodiment. The image clarity determination and evaluation device comprises a reference image clarity database 1, a measurement data acquisition unit 2, a judgment value acquisition unit 3, a shape information input unit 4, a concave curved surface determination unit 5, an image clarity correction processing unit 6, and an output unit 7. These reference image clarity database 1, etc., are built into a computer (not shown) installed in an inspection room or factory inspection area where the image clarity of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is determined or evaluated. Note that the reference image clarity database 1 may reside on a cloud server instead of being built into a computer.

[0013] The standard clarity database 1 stores the correlation between data measured for the surface characteristics of a flat painted surface of an object and the results of a sensory evaluation, which is the result of a sensory evaluation based on the senses of an inspector. Here, the sensory evaluation is performed by a person visually inspecting the image produced when light, such as fluorescent light, is shone on the painted surface of an object in an inspection room or factory inspection area with certain lighting conditions. The way the image appears when a person visually observes the image on the painted surface can be understood as how the image appears when a person looks at a mirror with a reflective surface. Furthermore, the way the image appears when looking at the mirror is related to how the object appears when a person looks at it through a lens.

[0014] For example, as shown in the "Optical Image" section at the top of Figure 2, the image a person sees when looking at a plane mirror (TP) 8 is similar to the image a person sees when looking at an object through a flat lens (Lens) 9. More specifically, when a person looks at an object—in this embodiment, a pair of fluorescent lamps 11 inside a rectangular frame 10—through the lens 9, the pair of fluorescent lamps 11 inside the frame 10 appear at 1:1 magnification, as shown in the "Light Ray Trajectory" section at the top of Figure 2.

[0015] Also, as shown in the "Optical Image" item in the middle row of FIG. 2, the way an image looks when a person sees a concave mirror 12, more specifically a mirror having a concave curved surface that is arcuately depressed so as to move away from the person's eye, is the same as the way it looks when a person sees a pair of fluorescent lamps 11 within the frame 10 through a convex lens (magnifying lens) 13. More specifically, when a person sees a pair of fluorescent lamps 11 within the frame 10 through the convex lens 13, as shown in the "Light Ray Trajectory" item in the middle row of FIG. 2, the pair of fluorescent lamps 11 within the frame 10 are magnified and appear as a pair of fluorescent lamps 15 within a larger frame 14. Therefore, as shown in the "Image" item in the middle row of FIG. 2, the image 17 when the light of the fluorescent lamp is applied to the painted surface 16a having a concave curved surface (concave surface) of the object 16 is magnified compared to the image 18 when the light of the fluorescent lamp is applied to the planar painted surface 16b of the object 16 (image magnification). In other words, the width of the image 17 on the concave curved surface of the object 16 (the vertical width in FIG. 2) is wider than the width of the image 18 on the plane of the object 16. Such an image 17 with a wide width on the concave curved surface is perceived subjectively by a person as being less clear than the image 18 on the plane, that is, as being deteriorated compared to when it is planar.

[0016] Also, as shown in the "Optical Image" item in the lower part of FIG. 2, the way the image looks when a person sees a convex mirror 19, more specifically a mirror having a convex curved surface that bulges in an arc shape so as to approach the human eye, is the same as the way the image looks when a person sees a pair of fluorescent lamps 11 within the frame 10 through a concave lens (reduction lens) 20. More specifically, when a person sees a pair of fluorescent lamps 11 within the frame 10 through the concave lens 20, as shown in the "Light Ray Trajectory" item in the lower part of FIG. 2, the pair of fluorescent lamps 11 within the frame 10 is reduced and appears as a pair of fluorescent lamps 22 within a small frame 21. Therefore, as shown in the "Image" item in the lower part of FIG. 2, the image 23 when the light of the fluorescent lamp is applied to the painted surface 16c having a convex curved surface (convex surface) of the object 16 is a reduced image (image reduction) compared to the image 18 when the light of the fluorescent lamp is applied to the planar painted surface 16b of the object 16. In other words, the width of the image 23 on the convex curved surface of the object 16 (the vertical width in FIG. 2) is narrower than the width of the image 18 on the plane of the object 16. Such an image 23 with a narrow width on the convex curved surface is perceived subjectively by a person as a sharper image than the image 18 on the plane, that is, an improved image compared to when it is planar.

[0017] The measurement data acquisition unit 2 acquires measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated. When acquiring this measurement data, for example, light is applied to the painted surface of the object, and the light reflected from the painted surface is measured or imaged, and based on this measured or imaged light, the fine irregularities on the surface of the painted surface are acquired.

[0018] The determination value acquisition unit 3 acquires a determination value x of the planar equivalent distinctness of image, which corresponds to the distinctness of image of a planar painted surface, for the measurement data of the irregular surface, that is, the measurement data including a concave curved surface or a convex curved surface, based on the comparison between the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 2 and the reference distinctness of image database. This determination value x of the planar equivalent distinctness of image corresponds to the horizontal axis in FIG. 3, which is a sensory evaluation index when it is planar equivalent.

[0019] In Figure 3, the sensory evaluation index for the flat phase indicates that the closer to the vertical axis, the worse the clarity of the painted surface, while the further away from the vertical axis, the better the clarity of the painted surface. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the vertical axis shows the difference when the appearance changes from the flat state. In other words, the vertical axis shows the difference between the sensory evaluation results for the flat phase and the evaluation results that have been improved or worsened due to the uneven shape (evaluation results where clarity is improved or worsened due to the uneven shape of the painted surface). On the vertical axis, the further up you go than the horizontal axis, the better the difference, while the further down you go than the horizontal axis, the worse the difference. The value indicated by "k" at the point where the vertical axis intersects with the horizontal axis indicates that there is no difference between the sensory evaluation results for the surface phase and the evaluation results that have been improved or worsened due to the uneven shape. In other words, k indicates that there is no difference between the sensory evaluation results for the surface phase and the evaluation results that have been improved or worsened due to the uneven shape because the uneven shape of the painted surface was not affected by reflected light. Furthermore, when AI (artificial intelligence) determines the clarity of the uneven surface shape of the painted surface, the AI ​​determines the clarity of the uneven surface shape regardless of the influence of reflected light, so the horizontal axis extending horizontally from k can be considered as the result of the AI's determination.

[0020] Furthermore, in Figure 3, 16 points p are associated with the concave surface of the painted surface, while 9 points q are associated with the convex surface of the painted surface. As mentioned above, the mapping 17 on the concave surface is perceived subjectively as worse than the mapping 18 on the plane, so the 16 points p are distributed below the horizontal axis. Also, as mentioned above, the mapping 23 on the convex surface is perceived subjectively as better than the mapping 18 on the plane, so the 9 points q are mainly distributed above the horizontal axis. In Figure 3, the dashed line L1 approximates the 16 points p, while the dashed line L2 approximates the 9 points q.

[0021] Furthermore, the dashed line L1 is defined as "ax + b," where a < 0 and b > . Also, x is a value between 0 and 10, for example. "ax + b" is used to derive the correction amount m calculated by the image clarity correction processing unit 6. Therefore, the equation "m = ax + b" holds true. As shown in Figure 3, this correction amount m is larger when the judgment value x for planar equivalent image clarity is good than when it is bad.

[0022] Furthermore, the dashed line L2 is defined by "cx+d". Here, c<0 and d>. The equation "cx+d" is used to derive the correction amount n calculated by the image clarity correction processing unit 6 in the second embodiment. Therefore, the equation "n=cx+d" holds true. As shown in Figure 3, the correction amount n is larger when the judgment value x for planar equivalent image clarity is poor than when it is good.

[0023] The shape information input unit 4 is an input unit for inputting shape information related to the shape of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated, which is obtained from the measurement data acquisition unit 2. This shape information includes, for example, a flat surface, a concave surface, and a convex surface.

[0024] The concave curved surface determination unit 5 determines whether or not the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is a concave curved surface based on the information input by the shape information input unit 4.

[0025] The image clarity correction processing unit 6 performs a correction that worsens (degrades) the flat-equivalent image clarity determination value x when the concave curved surface determination unit 5 determines that the surface of the painted surface is a concave curved surface. In other words, when the image clarity correction processing unit 6 is a concave curved surface, it performs a correction that worsens the flat-equivalent image clarity determination value x by a correction amount m.

[0026] The output unit 7 outputs the correction value calculated by the image clarity correction processing unit 6.

[0027] Next, the control flow of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. This control is performed by executing a clarity judgment and evaluation program (not shown) by a computer that constitutes the clarity judgment and evaluation device.

[0028] First, as a prerequisite for starting the flowchart in Figure 4, a standard clarity database 1 is constructed in advance, which summarizes the correlation between data measured for the surface characteristics of the planar painted surface of the object and the results of sensory evaluation of the painted surface.

[0029] Next, in step S1, the judgment value acquisition unit 3 performs a process to acquire a judgment value x for planar equivalent clarity, which corresponds to the clarity of a planar painted surface, from the measurement data relating to the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated.

[0030] Then, in step S2, shape information regarding the surface shape of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is obtained by referring to the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 2. For example, flat surfaces, concave surfaces, and convex surfaces are acquired as shape information.

[0031] Next, in step S3, the concave surface determination unit 5 determines whether the shape information is a concave surface or not. If it is determined that the shape information is not a concave surface, the process ends.

[0032] Furthermore, if the shape information in step S3 is determined to be a concave curved surface, the process proceeds to step S4, where a correction amount m is calculated to correct for deterioration of the plane-equivalent clarity judgment value x.

[0033] Next, in step S5, the image clarity correction processing unit 6 calculates a correction value. In other words, a correction is applied to the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent image clarity, which is worsened by a correction amount m.

[0034] As described above, in the first embodiment, it is determined whether the shape of the painted surface to be evaluated is a concave curved surface or not, and if it is determined to be a concave curved surface, a correction is made to worsen the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent clarity. In other words, if it is determined to be a concave curved surface, a correction amount m is calculated based on the formula "m=ax+b", and a correction is made to worsen the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent clarity by the correction amount m. For this reason, the clarity judgment result by AI (horizontal axis in Figure 3) and the subjective clarity evaluation result by humans, which indicates that the surface appears worse than when it is flat (dashed line L1 in Figure 3), can be correlated. In sensory evaluation, the way a person sees an object or product with a painted surface is close to how it appears to users who actually see and purchase the product, so it is important to understand the discrepancy between the clarity judgment result by AI and the subjective clarity evaluation result by humans in sensory evaluation. In particular, as in this embodiment, if the clarity of a concave curved surface of a painted surface appears worse than when it is flat, it will appear similarly worse to the user. Therefore, by understanding the clarity of such concave curved surfaces as data, it is possible to improve the painted surface to enhance the user's impression.

[0035] Figure 5 shows a functional block diagram of the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the second embodiment. The image clarity determination and evaluation device of the second embodiment is configured in which the concave curved surface determination unit 5 of the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the first embodiment is replaced with a convex curved surface determination unit 24.

[0036] The convex curved surface determination unit 24 determines whether or not the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is a convex curved surface based on the information input by the shape information input unit 4.

[0037] The image clarity correction processing unit 6 performs a correction to improve (enhance) the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent image clarity when the convex curved surface determination unit 24 determines that the surface of the painted surface is a convex curved surface. In other words, the image clarity correction processing unit 6 performs a correction to improve the judgment value x by a correction amount n when it is a convex curved surface (see Figure 3). The correction amount n is calculated based on the equation "n = cx + d", which is shown by the dashed line L2 in Figure 3. As described above, the correction amount n is larger when the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent image clarity is poor than when it is good.

[0038] Next, the control flow of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. In Figure 6, steps similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same step numbers.

[0039] In step S1, measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is obtained, and a determination value x for flatness equivalent to the clarity of a flat painted surface is obtained. In step S2, shape information regarding the shape of the surface of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is obtained by referring to the measurement data obtained by the measurement data acquisition unit 2.

[0040] Next, in step S6, the convex surface determination unit 24 determines whether the shape information is a convex surface. If it is determined that the shape information is not a convex surface, the process ends.

[0041] Furthermore, if the shape information is determined to be a convex curved surface in step S6, the process proceeds to step S7, where a correction amount n is calculated to improve the judgment value x for flat-equivalent clarity.

[0042] Next, in step S8, the image clarity correction processing unit 6 calculates a correction value. That is, it performs a correction that improves the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent image clarity by a correction amount n.

[0043] As described above, in the second embodiment, it is determined whether the shape of the painted surface to be evaluated is a convex curved surface or not, and if it is determined to be a convex curved surface, a correction is made to improve the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent clarity. In other words, a correction amount n is calculated based on the formula "n = cx + d", and a correction is made to improve the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent clarity by the correction amount n. This makes it possible to correlate the result shown by the clarity judgment by AI (horizontal axis in Figure 3) with the subjective clarity evaluation result by humans, which indicates that it appears to be better than when it is flat (dashed line L2 in Figure 3).

[0044] Figure 7 shows a functional block diagram of the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the third embodiment. The image clarity determination and evaluation device of the third embodiment is configured by replacing the concave curved surface determination unit 5 of the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the first embodiment with a concave curved surface / convex curved surface determination unit 25.

[0045] The concave / convex surface determination unit 25 determines whether the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is a concave or convex surface based on the information input by the shape information input unit 4. If the concave / convex surface determination unit 25 determines that the painted surface of the object is neither a concave nor a convex surface, then the painted surface is, for example, a flat surface.

[0046] Next, the control flow of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. In Figure 8, the same step numbers are used for steps that are the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[0047] Then, in step S1, a determination value x for flatness equivalent to the clarity of a flat surface is obtained from the measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated, and in step S2, shape information regarding the shape of the surface of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is obtained by referring to the measurement data obtained by the measurement data acquisition unit 2.

[0048] Next, in step S6, it is determined whether the shape information is a convex curved surface. If it is determined to be a convex curved surface, the process moves to step S7, where a correction amount n is calculated to improve the judgment value x of the plane equivalent clarity, and the correction value is calculated in step S8.

[0049] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S6 that the shape information is not a convex surface, the process proceeds to step S3 to determine whether or not the shape information is a concave surface. If it is determined that the shape information is not a concave surface, the process terminates.

[0050] Furthermore, if the shape information is determined to be a concave curved surface in step S3, a correction amount m is calculated in step S4 to correct for deterioration of the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent clarity, and the correction value is calculated in step S5.

[0051] In this embodiment, we have described an example in which the determination of a convex curved surface (step S6) is performed before the determination of a concave curved surface (step S3). However, it is also possible to perform the determination of a concave curved surface first and then the determination of a convex curved surface.

[0052] In this third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the AI-based judgment of image clarity (horizontal axis in Figure 3) can be correlated with the subjective human evaluation of image clarity, which indicates that the image appears worse than when it is flat (dashed line L1 in Figure 3). Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the AI-based judgment of image clarity (horizontal axis in Figure 3) can be correlated with the subjective human evaluation of image clarity, which indicates that the image appears better than when it is flat (dashed line L2 in Figure 3).

[0053] Figure 9 shows a functional block diagram of the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the fourth embodiment. The image clarity determination and evaluation device of the fourth embodiment is configured by adding a brightness information input unit 26 to the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the third embodiment.

[0054] The brightness information input unit 26 is an input unit for inputting the brightness v of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated. The brightness v is included in the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 2.

[0055] The image clarity correction processing unit 6, when the concave / convex surface determination unit 25 determines that the surface of the painted surface is a concave surface, performs a correction that worsens the plane-equivalent image clarity judgment value x by a correction amount m(v). Here, the correction amount m(v) is expressed by the formula "m(v) = (ax + b) / v". This correction amount m(v) becomes smaller as the brightness v increases. Also, the image clarity correction processing unit 6, when the concave / convex surface determination unit 25 determines that the surface of the painted surface is a convex surface, performs a correction that improves the plane-equivalent image clarity judgment value x by a correction amount n(v). Here, the correction amount n(v) is expressed by the formula "n(v) = (cx + d) / v". This correction amount n(v) becomes smaller as the brightness v increases.

[0056] Next, the control flow of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Note that in Figure 10, steps similar to those in the third embodiment are given the same step numbers.

[0057] Then, regarding the measurement data concerning the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated in step S1, a determination value x for flatness equivalent to the clarity of a flat painted surface is obtained.

[0058] Next, in step S9, the brightness information input unit 26 performs a process to obtain the brightness v of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated.

[0059] Then, in step S2, shape information regarding the surface shape of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is obtained by referring to the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 2.

[0060] Next, in step S6, it is determined whether the shape information is a convex curved surface or not. If it is determined that the shape information is a convex curved surface, the process proceeds to step S10 to obtain the correction amount n(v).

[0061] After obtaining the correction amount n(v), the correction value is calculated in step S11. In other words, a correction is performed to improve the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent sharpness by the correction amount n(v).

[0062] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S6 that the shape information is not a convex surface, then in step S3, it is determined whether or not the shape information is a concave surface. If it is determined that the shape information is not a concave surface, the flow is terminated, and the shape information is considered to be a plane.

[0063] Furthermore, if the shape information in step S3 is determined to be a concave curved surface, the process proceeds to step S12 to obtain the correction amount m(v).

[0064] After obtaining the correction amount m(v), the correction value is calculated in step S13. In other words, a correction is applied that worsens the judgment value x of the flat-equivalent sharpness by the correction amount m(v).

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the correction amount m(v) becomes smaller as the brightness v increases. When a person views a projection of a painted surface, the surface tends to appear better when the brightness v is higher than when it is black. Therefore, by setting a correction amount m(v) according to the brightness v, appropriate deterioration correction can be performed for the judgment value x.

[0066] Similarly, in this embodiment, the correction amount n(v) becomes smaller as the brightness v increases. When a person views a projection of a painted surface, the surface tends to appear better when the brightness v is higher than when it is black. Therefore, by setting a correction amount n(v) according to the brightness v, an appropriate improvement correction can be performed on the judgment value x.

[0067] The image clarity determination and evaluation device of the fifth embodiment is configured by adding a determination based on the size of the curved surface of the measurement data to the image clarity determination and evaluation device of the fourth embodiment. More specifically, in the fifth embodiment, if the concave / convex curved surface determination unit 25 determines that the surface of the painted surface is a concave curved surface, and furthermore, if this concave curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature ra, the image clarity correction processing unit 6 does not correct the determination value x for plane-equivalent image clarity. Also, if the concave / convex curved surface determination unit 25 determines that the surface of the painted surface is a convex curved surface, and furthermore, if this convex curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature rb, the image clarity correction processing unit 6 does not correct the determination value x for plane-equivalent image clarity.

[0068] Next, the control flow of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Note that in Figure 11, steps similar to those in the fourth embodiment are given the same step numbers.

[0069] Then, in step S1, a determination value x for planar equivalent clarity, which corresponds to the clarity of a planar painted surface, is obtained from the measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated. In step S9, brightness v is obtained. In step S2, shape information regarding the shape of the surface of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated is obtained by referring to the measurement data obtained by the measurement data acquisition unit 2.

[0070] Next, in step S6, it is determined whether the shape information is a convex curved surface. If it is determined that the shape information is a convex curved surface, the process proceeds to step S14, where it is determined whether the convex curved surface is smaller than a predetermined value, i.e., a predetermined radius of curvature rb. If it is determined that the convex curved surface is greater than or equal to the predetermined radius of curvature rb, the process proceeds to step S15, where no correction is made to the determination value x for plane-equivalent clarity.

[0071] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S14 that the convex curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature rb, the process proceeds to step S10 to obtain the correction amount n(v), and the correction value is calculated in step S11.

[0072] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S6 that the shape information is not a convex surface, the process proceeds to step S3 to determine whether the shape information is a concave surface. If it is determined that the shape information is not a concave surface, the process is terminated, and the shape information is considered to be a plane.

[0073] Furthermore, if the shape information in step S3 is determined to be a concave curved surface, the process proceeds to step S16 to determine whether the concave curved surface is smaller than a predetermined value, i.e., a predetermined radius of curvature ra. If the concave curved surface is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined radius of curvature ra, the process proceeds to step S17, and no correction is made to the determination value x for plane-equivalent clarity.

[0074] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S16 that the concave surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature ra, the process proceeds to step S12 to obtain the correction amount m(v), and the correction value is calculated in step S13.

[0075] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, if the concave curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature ra, the image clarity correction processing unit 6 does not correct the judgment value x for plane-equivalent image clarity. Since the shape of the painted surface is considered to be close to a plane when the concave curved surface is smaller than the predetermined radius of curvature ra, by not performing correction in such cases, corrections that worsen the judgment value x for plane-equivalent image clarity can be appropriately performed when necessary.

[0076] Similarly, in this embodiment, if the convex curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature rb, the clarity correction processing unit 6 does not correct the determination value x for plane-equivalent clarity. Since the shape of the painted surface is considered to be close to a plane when the convex curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature ra, by not performing correction in such cases, corrections that improve the determination value x for plane-equivalent clarity can be appropriately performed when necessary. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1. Standard Image Quality Database 2. Measurement data acquisition unit 3. Judgment value acquisition unit 4. Shape information input section 5... Concave curved surface judgment section 6. Image clarity correction processing unit. 7. Output section 24... Convex curved surface determination section 25...Concave curved surface / convex curved surface determination section 26. Brightness information input section

Claims

1. A standard clarity database was pre-constructed, which summarizes the correlation between data measured for the surface characteristics of the flat painted surface of an object and the results of sensory evaluation of that painted surface. We obtain measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated. Based on the measurement data and the standard clarity database, a determination value for the plane-equivalent clarity of the measurement data is obtained, which corresponds to the clarity of the planar painted surface. Determine whether the shape of the painted surface is a concave curved surface or not. If it is determined that the surface is concave, a correction is applied to the judgment value of the plane-equivalent clarity that worsens the surface. Image clarity evaluation method.

2. The image clarity determination evaluation method according to claim 1, characterized in that when applying a correction that worsens the judgment value of the plane-equivalent image clarity, the amount of correction is increased when the judgment value of the plane-equivalent image clarity is of better quality than when it is of poor quality.

3. The image clarity determination evaluation method according to claim 1, characterized in that when the radius of curvature of the concave curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature, a correction is made to worsen the determination value of the plane-equivalent image clarity.

4. A standard clarity database was pre-constructed, which summarizes the correlation between data measured for the surface characteristics of the flat painted surface of an object and the results of sensory evaluation of that painted surface. We obtain measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated. Based on the measurement data and the standard clarity database, a determination value for the plane-equivalent clarity of the measurement data is obtained, which corresponds to the clarity of the planar painted surface. Determine whether the shape of the painted surface is a convex curved surface or not. If it is determined that the surface is a convex curve, a correction is made to improve the judgment value of the plane-equivalent sharpness. Image clarity evaluation method.

5. The image quality determination evaluation method according to claim 4, characterized in that when applying a correction to improve the judgment value of the plane equivalent image quality, the amount of correction is increased when the judgment value of the plane equivalent image quality is worse than when it is good.

6. The image clarity determination evaluation method according to claim 4, characterized in that when the radius of curvature of the convex curved surface is smaller than a predetermined radius of curvature, a correction is made to improve the determination value of the plane-equivalent image clarity.

7. The brightness of the painted surface is obtained, The method for determining and evaluating image clarity according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that the amount of correction is reduced as the brightness increases.

8. A standard clarity database summarizing the correlation between data measured for the surface characteristics of a flat painted surface of an object and the results of sensory evaluation of that painted surface, A measurement data acquisition unit that acquires measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated, A determination value acquisition unit that acquires a determination value for the flat equivalent clarity of the flat painted surface, corresponding to the clarity of the flat painted surface, based on the measurement data and the standard clarity database, A concave curved surface determination unit that determines whether or not the shape of the painted surface is a concave curved surface, A correction processing unit that performs a correction to worsen the determination value of the flat-equivalent sharpness when it is determined to be a concave curved surface, A vividness evaluation device equipped with [specific features / equipment].

9. A standard clarity database summarizing the correlation between data measured for the surface characteristics of a flat painted surface of an object and the results of sensory evaluation of that painted surface, A measurement data acquisition unit that acquires measurement data regarding the surface characteristics of the painted surface of the object to be evaluated, A determination value acquisition unit that acquires a determination value for the flat equivalent clarity of the flat painted surface, corresponding to the clarity of the flat painted surface, based on the measurement data and the standard clarity database, A convex curved surface determination unit that determines whether or not the shape of the painted surface is a convex curved surface, A correction processing unit that performs a correction to improve the determination value of the plane-equivalent sharpness when it is determined to be a convex curved surface, A device for determining and evaluating image clarity, equipped with the following features.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the image clarity determination and evaluation method described in claim 1 or claim 4.

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