Dynamic Optical Electronic Shading Control for Natural Image Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses produce unnatural shading images due to conspicuous boundaries between divided regions, leading to a need for improved image processing performance to enhance shading image quality.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus that dynamically controls optical and electronic shading based on imaging conditions, using a control portion to adjust aperture and electronic shading processing, determining whether optical shading can be added, and applying it when possible, with electronic shading used in remaining areas, and displaying the degree of shading added for user input and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electronic shading is added for each divided region in a stepwise manner, then the shading processing can be performed, but the boundary between divided regions becomes conspicuous and the image becomes unnatural

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshading processing efficiencyVSAvoidshading image quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional electronic shading method (which divides the image into regions and applies shading stepwise) with a new approach that uses optical shading through aperture control. By substituting the mechanical/image-processing-based electronic shading with optical shading achieved through aperture diaphragm adjustment, the patent eliminates the conspicuous boundaries between divided regions while maintaining shading processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of shading implementation from electronic/image processing domain to optical domain by controlling the aperture diaphragm. By adjusting the aperture shape and size parameters, the patent achieves natural-looking shading effects without the need for dividing the image into regions, thereby improving shading image quality while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If optical shading is added by adjusting aperture, then natural-looking shading can be achieved, but it cannot be applied in all imaging conditions (e.g., motion picture or continuous photographing mode)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshading image qualityVSAvoidapplicability across different photographing modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic selection mechanism that automatically chooses between optical shading and electronic shading based on the current photographing mode and conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the shading method: using optical shading through aperture control when in still image mode for high-quality natural shading, and switching to electronic shading when in motion picture or continuous photographing mode where rapid processing is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control portion as an intermediary that mediates between different photographing modes and shading methods. This control portion receives imaging condition information, determines the appropriate shading method, and coordinates between the aperture diaphragm control and electronic shading processing portion, enabling seamless adaptation across different photographing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If aperture is controlled to add optical shading, then the shading can be added in the range capable of being handled by the image optical system, but additional range coverage requires electronic shading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical shading qualityVSAvoidshading coverage range

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges optical shading and electronic shading methods into a unified shading system. The optical shading through aperture control provides high-quality natural shading within its effective range, while electronic shading supplements the coverage for regions beyond the optical system's handling capability. By combining both methods, the patent achieves both high quality and comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different shading methods to different spatial regions based on their specific requirements. Regions within the optical system's effective range receive optical shading for superior quality, while regions beyond this range receive electronic shading. This localized application of different shading techniques optimizes both quality and coverage across the entire image area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8760560B2Imaging apparatus and method of controlling imaging apparatus for adding a shading to an image

Publication Date: 2014.06.24 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging optical system having an aperture; an imaging device that outputs an image signal; an electronic shading processing portion that adds an electronic shading to a photographic image corresponding to the image signal; and a control portion which determines whether or not an optical shading can be added to the photographic image based on the imaging condition, the control portion controlling the aperture and adding the optical shading when the optical shading can be added, and the control portion controlling the electronic shading processing portion and adding the electronic shading when it is difficult to add the optical shading.