Camera-Specific Correction for Stitched Image Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems fail to apply image correction techniques corresponding to multiple image capturing means after images are stitched, leading to inefficient storage requirements and increased costs due to the need for excessive storage capacity.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device that applies image correction techniques based on the characteristics of multiple image capturing elements and optical systems by associating stitching information with image data, allowing for posterior image correction after stitching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If images are stitched and stored without applying image correction techniques, then storage capacity requirements are reduced, but image quality and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidimage correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies image correction techniques during the initial stitching process rather than requiring separate post-processing. The correction is performed preliminarily when images are captured and stitched, eliminating the need for excessive storage of uncorrected images while ensuring correction accuracy is built into the workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary correction process that operates between image capture and final storage. This intermediary step applies optical system-specific corrections during stitching, allowing accurate correction without requiring separate storage of corrected and uncorrected images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If image correction techniques are applied after stitching, then image quality improves, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage correction qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs image correction during the stitching process itself rather than as a separate post-processing step. This preliminary action integrates correction into the workflow, reducing total processing time while maintaining correction quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the image correction process with the stitching process into a single integrated operation. By combining these functions, the system avoids sequential processing steps and reduces overall time consumption while achieving both stitching and correction objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If multiple images from different optical systems are stitched without correction, then device complexity is reduced, but image accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing system complexityVSAvoidimage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different correction characteristics to images from different optical systems based on their specific properties. Each optical system receives tailored correction parameters, allowing accurate correction without requiring a complex unified correction system for all images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes correction parameters dynamically based on the optical system used for each image. By adjusting parameters according to the specific optical characteristics, the system achieves accurate correction without requiring overly complex processing architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If stitching information is stored separately from image data, then storage organization improves, but data management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage organizationVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges stitching information with image data into a unified data structure. This integration simplifies data management by eliminating separate storage and association steps, while maintaining organized access to both image and stitching information through the combined structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4118613B1Image processing device, image processing method, image capturing apparatus, and image processing system
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4118613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4118613B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4118613B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An image processing device includes: a determination means for determining an image capturing means used for capturing at least one particular portion in a combined image in which a first partial image captured using a first image capturing means and a second partial image captured using a second image capturing means are stitched together; and a correction means for applying image correction to the combined image based on a determination result of the determination means.