Automatic Flash Glare Removal via Multi-Camera Chrominance Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photographic images often suffer from glare artifacts caused by flash reflections, which are difficult to detect and remove, especially in amateur photography, leading to suboptimal image quality and time-consuming manual retouching.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic image glare removal that captures images from multiple locations, identifies glare patterns, and processes them by subtracting glare patterns from one image and substituting corresponding data from a non-glared image, using chrominance data and exposure bracketing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual retouching is used to remove glare artifacts, then image quality can be improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic glare detection and removal without requiring manual intervention. The computer executes algorithms that autonomously identify glare patterns in images and apply appropriate removal techniques, making the image processing system serve itself rather than requiring photographer intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual retouching process with an automated computational system. Instead of photographers manually manipulating image data, a computer-based system uses image processing algorithms to automatically detect and remove glare artifacts, substituting human manual work with automated mechanical/computational processes.
2Illumination intensity
If flash systems are used to illuminate subjects, then image brightness is improved, but glare artifacts are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes the harmful glare artifacts generated by flash illumination and converts them into detectable patterns that can be automatically identified and removed. By analyzing the characteristics of flash-induced glare, the system transforms what was previously a detrimental effect into a recognizable signal that guides the removal process, ultimately benefiting image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the glare artifact components from the rest of the image data. By identifying the specific regions and characteristics of flash-induced glare, the system isolates these harmful elements and removes them from the final image, leaving only the desired illuminated subject without the unwanted artifacts.
3Manufacturing precision
If bracketed images are taken to compensate for glare, then exposure quality may be improved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines whether bracketed images are needed and processes them without requiring photographer intervention. The computer-based system self-manages the entire workflow from capturing multiple exposures to selecting and combining the best results, eliminating the need for photographers to manually plan and execute complex bracketing sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system analyzes the captured images, identifies glare artifacts, and automatically adjusts processing parameters based on the detected conditions. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to varying lighting conditions and glare patterns, improving exposure quality without requiring manual intervention or complex pre-planning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, computer program product, and business method for automatic image glare removal. Glare is often caused by direct reflection of a photographic flash. Images are acquired from at least two different locations, possibly simultaneously, and from one or more cameras, and digitized if necessary. A glare pattern is identified, typically by recognition of a fully overexposed area or known test glare patterns. The images are processed to remove the glare pattern by subtraction of the glare pattern from at least one image and substitution of corresponding data from a related image not identically impacted. The substituted data typically comprises chrominance data, which may be from a luminance-adjusted exposure-bracketed image. The processing may be performed by a camera, a pc, or a networked server, and the processed image is output. The business method includes automated image glare removal via a fee-based per-transaction or subscription service.