Distance Information Derivation Apparatus with Dynamic Procedure Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for acquiring distance information from image data are inconvenient due to the need for dedicated processing software and hardware, and the process varies depending on the type of input image data, making them less versatile.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that includes an input unit for image data, a selection unit to choose from multiple procedures for deriving distance information, and a derivation unit to process the data using the selected procedure, allowing for flexible and efficient distance information acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated processing software and hardware are used for each type of image data, then distance information can be accurately derived, but the system complexity and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance information accuracyVSAvoidprocessing software and hardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal distance information derivation system that can handle multiple types of image data (stereo images, focus stacking images, single images with depth maps) through a single integrated apparatus. The derivation unit is designed to perform different derivation methods (stereo matching, focus stacking processing, depth map generation) within one system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated software and hardware for each image type, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If different processing procedures are used for different types of image data, then distance information can be derived appropriately, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance information derivation accuracyVSAvoidconvenience of distance information acquisition
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic procedure selection mechanism where the derivation unit automatically chooses the appropriate distance information derivation method based on the input image data type. The system dynamically adapts its processing approach without requiring user intervention to select procedures, making the operation convenient while maintaining derivation accuracy for different image types (stereo, focus stacking, single image with depth map)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The derivation unit autonomously determines which derivation method to apply based on the characteristics of the input image data. The system self-selects the appropriate processing procedure (stereo matching, focus stacking, or depth map generation) without requiring external control or user configuration, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining derivation precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple dedicated systems are used for different image data types, then distance information can be derived for each type, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance information derivation accuracyVSAvoidflexibility across different image data types
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a unified distance information derivation apparatus that integrates multiple derivation methods (stereo matching, focus stacking processing, depth map generation) into a single versatile system. This universal apparatus can adaptively process different types of image data (stereo images, focus stacking sequences, single images with depth maps) using appropriate methods, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining derivation accuracy across all image types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9905011B2Apparatus, system, and method for processing information and program for the same
Publication Date: 2018.02.27 CANON KK
  • US9905011B2 patent drawing
  • US9905011B2 patent drawing
  • US9905011B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus that acquires distance information from image data includes an input unit 162 and a procedure selection unit 164. The input unit 162 inputs image data and information associated with the image data and specifying a procedure for deriving distance information. The procedure selection unit 164 selects at least one from a plurality of procedures on the basis of the information specifying a procedure for acquiring distance information and derives distance information from the image data using the selected procedure.