Depth-Guided Bokeh Processing for Subject-Safe Image Blur

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices often fail to accurately replicate the bokeh effect generated by a camera, leading to unintended blurring of subjects.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device processes images to apply a bokeh effect by setting regions of interest and background regions using depth information, determining bokeh characteristics for each region based on specific criteria, and applying the effect accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image processing is applied to generate bokeh effect, then bokeh effect is created, but the generated bokeh effect does not resemble the real-life bokeh effect and may accidentally blur the subject

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of bokeh effectVSAvoidcomplexity of image processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The image is divided into multiple regions based on depth information: a first region (foreground/subject) and a second region (background). Different bokeh characteristics are applied to each region separately. The first region maintains sharp focus while the second region receives blurring treatment, preventing accidental blurring of the subject while achieving realistic bokeh effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different bokeh characteristics are applied to different regions of the image. The first region (subject) uses characteristics that maintain clarity and focus, while the second region (background) uses characteristics that produce appropriate blurring. This local differentiation ensures the subject remains sharp while background elements receive the bokeh effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If uniform bokeh effect is applied to the entire image, then processing is simplified, but the subject may be accidentally blurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of processingVSAvoidprecision of bokeh application

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image is segmented into at least two distinct regions: a first region containing the subject and a second region containing the background. This segmentation allows different bokeh characteristics to be applied to each region, ensuring the subject remains sharp while the background receives appropriate blurring, thus achieving precise bokeh application without accidentally blurring the subject.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different bokeh characteristics are applied locally to different regions. The first region (subject area) uses characteristics that preserve sharpness and detail, while the second region (background area) uses characteristics that produce the desired bokeh blurring effect. This local quality differentiation ensures precise control over where the bokeh effect is applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12456167B2Electronic device applying bokeh effect to image and controlling method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device and method are disclosed. The electronic device includes a memory and processor, which implements the method, including: obtaining image data for an image, set in the image a region of interest and a background region, using depth information, both including one or more sub-regions, determining respective bokeh characteristics for the one or more first sub-regions and the one or more second sub-regions based on a first characteristic criterion and a second characteristic criterion, respectively, and processing the image to apply a bokeh effect to the plurality of pixels based on the respective bokeh characteristics for the one or more first sub-regions and the one or more second sub-regions.