Exposure Reference Value Storage for Reversible Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras and image processing systems face challenges in efficiently transferring and applying exposure reference values and gradation conversion tables to ensure accurate image processing, leading to potential deterioration in image quality when trying to change exposure or gradation characteristics post-capture.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and image processing system that includes an exposure reference value storage section, gradation conversion table storage section, and processing sections for selecting and applying appropriate gradation conversion tables based on exposure reference values, allowing for flexible and reversible gradation conversion and exposure correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gradation conversion is applied to raw data at the time of image capturing, then image data can be viewed and printed immediately, but elements concerning image quality (gradation characteristics, color reproduction, white balance) cannot be freely changed later without deteriorating image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing gradation conversion at the time of image capturing to enable immediate viewing and printing. The conversion uses a gradation conversion table that is determined based on exposure level, allowing the image to be processed and viewed right away without waiting for post-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by determining the gradation conversion table based on the exposure level. This allows the conversion characteristics to adapt to the specific imaging conditions, optimizing the balance between immediate usability and future adjustability by encoding exposure-dependent parameters into the conversion process.
2Manufacturing precision
If gradation conversion table is determined based on exposure level at image capturing, then image quality is optimized for that specific exposure, but the same conversion table cannot be used for images captured at different exposure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific gradation conversion tables tailored to each exposure level. Each conversion table is optimized for its corresponding exposure condition, ensuring that the image quality is maximized for that specific local condition rather than using a generic conversion table for all exposures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the gradation conversion table dependent on the exposure level parameter. This allows the system to select or generate appropriate conversion tables based on the specific exposure conditions, enabling both optimized quality for each exposure and adaptability across different exposure levels through parameter-based selection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple gradation conversion tables are stored for different exposure levels, then accurate conversion can be performed for any exposure level, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by organizing gradation conversion tables according to exposure level parameters. This systematic parameter-based organization allows the system to efficiently select the appropriate conversion table based on the image's exposure characteristics, reducing the need to manage all possible conversion tables simultaneously while maintaining accuracy for various exposure levels.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus comprises an image acquiring section. The image acquiring section images a subject based on an exposure reference value as a reference for an exposure in imaging to acquire image data by. An image outputting section outputs the image data obtained by the image acquiring section together with the exposure reference value.