Dynamic Image Correction for Lens Flickering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in maintaining image quality when the state of a lens unit changes rapidly, leading to unnatural corrections and flickering effects due to insufficient communication sampling intervals and low resolution correction data, especially during moving image shooting or live view functions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that sets a target correction value based on the lens unit's characteristics and current state, calculates correction values to adjust for degradation in image quality, and applies these values to ensure continuous and stable image correction, preventing excessive or unnatural brightness changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time correction is performed based on lens unit state information, then image quality degradation is corrected, but flickering and unnatural images occur when the lens state changes rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the correction value based on the rate of change of lens unit state. When the lens state changes rapidly, the correction value is updated more conservatively to prevent flickering. When changes are gradual, full real-time correction is applied. This dynamic adjustment strategy resolves the contradiction by adapting the correction behavior to the actual state change conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate mechanism that compares the current lens state with previous states and determines the appropriate correction strategy based on the change rate. This intermediary processing layer acts as a buffer between the raw lens state information and the final correction application, preventing direct transmission of rapid changes that cause flickering while still maintaining effective correction for gradual changes.
2Reliability
If time constant processing is applied to gradually change correction values, then flickering is reduced, but correction takes longer to reach desired values when lens state changes rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time constant adjustment where the time constant is varied based on the rate of lens state change. When the lens state changes rapidly, a smaller time constant is used to allow faster correction response. When changes are gradual, a larger time constant is applied to smooth out fluctuations and prevent flickering. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between response speed and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time constant parameter adaptively based on the observed lens state change rate. By modifying this critical parameter in response to operating conditions, the system achieves both fast response when needed and smooth correction when possible, resolving the trade-off between correction speed and flickering prevention.
3Device complexity
If communication sampling interval is large or correction data resolution is low, then data transmission is simplified, but correction values become discrete and moving image quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic interpolation that adapts to the sampling interval and data resolution. When sampling intervals are large or resolution is low, the interpolation algorithm uses historical data and change rate information to generate smoother correction values, effectively continuousizing the discrete corrections. This dynamic approach maintains good moving image quality despite simplified communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates interpolated copies of correction values between sampled points. Rather than directly using the discrete sampled values, it generates intermediate copy values through interpolation, effectively increasing the resolution and continuity of correction data without requiring higher-resolution original measurements or more frequent sampling.
4Speed
If correction value changes steeply to respond quickly to lens state changes, then correction responsiveness improves, but flickering is perceived in the corrected image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic damping that adjusts the steepness of correction value changes based on the lens state change rate and image type. For still images, steeper changes are permitted for faster response. For moving images, the damping is increased to smooth transitions and prevent flickering. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between responsiveness and naturalness by adapting to the specific operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the lens state change rate and image type to modulate the correction value changes. The system continuously monitors the situation and adjusts the correction application accordingly, reducing change steepness when flickering is detected or likely, and allowing steeper changes when conditions permit. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by making correction behavior context-aware.
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 the output of appropriately corrected images regardless of lens unit state changes, reducing flickering and maintaining image quality by moderating correction intensity and using time constant processing to stabilize corrections.
Implementation Method 1
the image being generated by an image sensor by photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprising, a circuitry configured to perform operations of, setting a target value in a case of correcting degradation in image quality of an image caused by an optical member, based on a characteristic of the optical member, the image being generated by an image sensor by photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject that has passed through the optical member, acquiring information regarding a state of the optical member, setting first correction values for correcting the degradation in image quality of the image caused by the optical member, based on the target value and the information regarding the state, and correcting the image based on the first correction values.


