Digital Camera Transform Parameter Segmentation for Tracking and Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras face challenges in tracking targets when there are changes in the image-capture environment, leading to incorrect tracking or interruption of the tracking process due to fluctuations in image characteristics, such as brightness and color temperature.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera system that includes a storage unit for initial transform parameters, a transform parameter calculation unit to adjust for changing environments, and processing units for auto-focus, exposure, and framing, which transform images to maintain predetermined quality and reduce user discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transform parameters are gradually changed to avoid abrupt changes and user discomfort, then user comfort is improved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates because the target cannot be stably tracked when image characteristics fluctuate due to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides transform parameters into two distinct types: first transform parameters used for tracking the target (which can change abruptly to maintain tracking accuracy), and second transform parameters used for outputting images to users (which change gradually to maintain user comfort). This segmentation allows each parameter set to serve its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the image processing pipeline. The tracking process uses high sensitivity to environmental changes (first transform parameters) to maintain accuracy, while the output process uses smooth transitions (second transform parameters) to maintain user comfort. Each part of the system has optimized local quality appropriate to its function.
2Measurement precision
If transform parameters are changed according to environmental changes, then tracking accuracy is improved, but user discomfort increases due to abrupt changes in picture brightness or color temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the transform parameters into first transform parameters for tracking and second transform parameters for output. This allows the system to respond accurately to environmental changes for tracking while providing smooth transitions for user viewing, resolving the contradiction between tracking accuracy and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-parameter system as an intermediary mechanism. The first transform parameters act as intermediaries for tracking accuracy, while the second transform parameters act as intermediaries for user comfort. This intermediary structure allows the system to balance conflicting requirements by using different intermediaries for different functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional exposure correction is performed according to environmental changes, then image quality is improved, but tracking fails when tones are lost due to overexposure in bright environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs transform parameter calculation and picture transformation before tracking processing. By pre-transforming the picture using first transform parameters that correspond to the current environment, the system ensures that the tracking process receives already-corrected image data, preventing tracking failures due to overexposure or underexposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes transform parameters based on detected environmental conditions. The transform parameter calculation unit calculates appropriate parameters according to the current image-capture environment, and the picture transform unit applies these parameters to correct exposure and color temperature before tracking, ensuring both image quality and tracking reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit storing a first transform parameter corresponding to a first picture and information about an initial region; a transform parameter calculation unit calculating a second transform parameter according to an image-capture environment for a second picture; and a first picture transform unit transforming at least one of the first and second pictures using the first and second transform parameters. Additionally, a tracking processing unit tracks the images of the target by searching for a region having an amount of characteristics that is close to an amount of characteristics of the initial region; a second picture transform unit transforms the second picture using a third transform parameter having less variation between pictures successively captured than the second transform parameter; and an output unit outputs a search result and a picture obtained through the transformation by the second picture transform unit.