Edge Enhancement for Isolated Pixels in Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge enhancement processing in images often enhances noise components, leading to inadequate enhancement of isolated pixels, such as mirror reflection components, which are important for improving image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that detects isolated pixels, determines their brightness change through edge enhancement, and adjusts the edge enhancement amount based on the isolation degree, using a detection unit, determination unit, and processing unit to selectively enhance or suppress edge enhancement for isolated pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If edge enhancement processing is applied to all pixels including isolated points, then edge sharpness is improved, but noise is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different edge enhancement treatments to different types of pixels based on their local characteristics. Isolated pixels (noise) receive suppression treatment while non-isolated pixels (actual edges) receive enhancement treatment. This is achieved by calculating isolation degrees for each pixel and selectively applying enhancement only where appropriate, thus improving edge sharpness without enhancing noise.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If edge enhancement is suppressed for isolated points to reduce noise, then noise enhancement is reduced, but isolated points that should be enhanced (e.g., mirror reflection components) are not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of edge enhancement amount dynamically based on pixel characteristics. By calculating the isolation degree and brightness change direction for each isolated pixel, the system adjusts the enhancement parameter selectively: suppressing enhancement for noise pixels while maintaining or enhancing it for texture pixels like mirror reflections. This resolves the contradiction by making the enhancement parameter adaptive rather than uniform.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a detection unit, a determination unit, a decision unit, and a processing unit. The detection unit detects an isolated pixel included in an image. The determination unit determines whether the isolated pixel detected by the detection unit changes brighter or darker by edge enhancement processing. The decision unit decides an edge enhancement amount of the isolated pixel based on a determination result of the determination unit. The processing unit performs the edge enhancement processing on the isolated pixel, based on the edge enhancement amount decided by the decision unit.