Dermoscopic Image Reflectance Reduction via Non-Specular Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing surface reflectance in images, such as those used in dermatological screening, often require costly equipment and controlled lighting conditions, making them impractical for outdoor use or situations where specialized tools are not available.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that constructs a panorama from a set of images and replaces specular portions with corresponding nonspecular portions, using geometric transformations and image processing techniques to reduce surface reflectance without the need for specialized filters or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (polarization techniques, special filters, dermascopes) are used to remove surface reflectance, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthesized image by copying and compositeing non-specular portions from multiple input images. Instead of using complex optical equipment, the system digitally reconstructs the skin surface by selecting and compositeing regions from multiple standard camera images, thereby achieving dermoscopic-quality images with conventional cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments each input image into specular portions (reflections) and non-specular portions (actual skin tissue). By separating these components, the system can discard the harmful reflections and retain the useful skin information, enabling diagnostic accuracy without specialized equipment
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods (controlled lighting, polarization filters) are used to reduce surface reflectance, then image quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies and removes specular portions without requiring manual intervention or controlled lighting conditions. The algorithm autonomously processes the images by detecting reflections and synthesizing new images from multiple standard photographs, making the process as easy as taking multiple pictures with a conventional camera
3Ease of operation
If outdoor lighting conditions are used with standard camera equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but surface reflectance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single 2D image to a multi-dimensional approach by capturing multiple images from different angles and synthesizing them into a new 2D dermoscopic image. This dimensional transformation allows the system to eliminate reflections that would otherwise be present in a single outdoor photograph
4Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured and processed to reduce reflectance, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes only the necessary portions of the images (non-specular regions) rather than entirely processing every pixel of every image. By focusing computational resources on the relevant skin tissue areas and using efficient compositeing algorithms, the system achieves high diagnostic accuracy while minimizing processing time
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for reducing surface reflectance, for example in a photograph. Aspects include receiving an image set containing a plurality of images of an object. Aspects also include determining geometric transformations for the images and constructing a panorama of the object from the images using the geometric transformations. Aspects also include replacing a portion in the panorama with a corresponding replacement portion from the image set.