Control Apparatus for Surface Normal Calculation Using Correlated Imaging State Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods struggle to accurately calculate surface normal information due to the need for manual input of light-source incident angle and the complexity of correcting uneven light distributions, leading to increased calculation load and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that writes additional information on the imaging state, including light-source incident angle and light amount distribution, to facilitate accurate surface normal calculation using multiple light sources, reducing user burden and improving calculation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light-source incident angle is stored in the imaging apparatus, then the surface normal calculation can be performed, but the user burden increases and the system becomes less adaptable to separate image processing apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the light-source incident angle information in the imaging apparatus at the time of image capture. This pre-stored information is then automatically utilized during surface normal calculation without requiring user input, thereby reducing user burden while maintaining calculation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances universality by designing the imaging apparatus to store light-source incident angle information in a standardized format that can be accessed by both the imaging apparatus itself and separate image processing apparatuses. This multi-functional design allows the stored information to serve multiple purposes and be used across different systems without requiring manual re-input.
2Measurement precision
If manual input of light-source incident angle is required, then the calculation can be performed, but the user burden increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the imaging apparatus to automatically generate, store, and manage the light-source incident angle information itself, without requiring external user input. The apparatus serves its own need for accurate lighting information by capturing and storing this data during the imaging process, thereby eliminating the burden of manual input while maintaining calculation precision.
3Measurement precision
If light source environment estimation processing is performed, then the light-source incident angle can be estimated, but the calculation load increases and calculation accuracy decreases due to estimation error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the exact light-source incident angle information during image capture. This eliminates the need for subsequent light source environment estimation processing, thereby reducing calculation load while maintaining or improving accuracy since the actual measured information is used rather than estimated values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and stores the essential light-source incident angle information directly during imaging, separating this critical parameter from the need for complex estimation processing. By extracting and storing this key information upfront, the system avoids the computational burden and accuracy limitations of estimation algorithms while retaining the precision needed for surface normal calculation.
4Ease of manufacture
If uneven light amount in the image is not corrected, then the processing is simpler, but the surface normal calculation accuracy lowers due to uneven light amount distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the light amount distribution information of each light source during the imaging process. This pre-stored information is then used to correct uneven light amounts during surface normal calculation, thereby maintaining processing simplicity while improving calculation accuracy through automated correction based on pre-captured lighting conditions.
5Measurement precision
If additional information on imaging state is written and correlated, then the surface normal calculation accuracy improves, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing and correlating additional imaging state information with the captured images during the imaging process. This pre-correlation of data reduces the complexity of subsequent processing by having all necessary information readily available and properly associated, thereby improving surface normal calculation accuracy without imposing excessive complexity on the processing system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables accurate and efficient acquisition of surface normal information by correlating additional imaging state information with captured images, thereby simplifying the process and enhancing the precision of surface normal calculation.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor 102 that captures the object and generates image signals
Implementation Method 2
a reflection characteristic of the object based on the surface normal of the object and the direction from the object to the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes a write unit configured to write additional information on an imaging state in acquiring an image captured with at least three light sources located at different positions by correlating the additional information with the image. The additional information is information configured to identify at least one of information on an incident angle of light from each light source toward the object on the image and light amount distribution information of the light emitted from each light source on the image.