Computational Bokeh Adjustment for Fixed-Aperture Image Processing

The patent replaces the mechanical aperture adjustment system with a computational imaging approach. Instead of using a physical low aperture lens to achieve blurring, the system captures an image with a fixed aperture and then applies a blur kernel through image processing to simulate the desired Bokeh effect. This substitution eliminates the need for complex variable aperture mechanisms while achieving the same visual effect.

The patent changes the parameter of aperture size from a physical constraint to a computational parameter. By capturing the image at a fixed aperture setting and then adjusting the blur parameters through post-processing algorithms, the system achieves variable Bokeh effects without physically changing the aperture. This allows flexible control over depth of field and blurriness levels after capture.

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to a static fixed-aperture system. While the physical aperture remains fixed, the system dynamically adjusts the Bokeh effect through computational means. Users can modify blur intensity, focus depth, and Bokeh characteristics after capture by applying different blur kernels and processing parameters, transforming a static optical system into a dynamically adjustable imaging system.

The patent replaces mechanical aperture adjustment with computational processing. Instead of using a variable aperture mechanism to adapt to different imaging needs, the system uses image processing algorithms to achieve the desired Bokeh effects. This substitution maintains the simplicity of the fixed aperture hardware while providing versatile post-capture adjustment capabilities through software-based control.

The patent performs preliminary capture at optimal aperture settings to ensure maximum image quality and sharpness. By capturing the image first at a fixed aperture that provides good overall focus, the system preserves image quality. Subsequently, the system applies selective blurring through blur kernels to create the desired depth of focus effect. This preliminary capture ensures that the base image maintains high sharpness while post-processing adds the necessary focus control.

The patent applies local quality differentiation through selective blurring. Instead of uniformly blurring the entire image, the system applies blur kernels specifically to regions that should be out of focus while maintaining sharpness in the focal plane. This localized processing allows precise control over depth of focus, creating realistic Bokeh effects that preserve image quality in the in-focus areas while adding appropriate blur only where needed.