HDR Image Processing Normalization Brightness Gradation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high dynamic range (HDR) image processing techniques face challenges in maintaining image quality due to displacement between original images, leading to reduced image quality and blinking phenomena in movie displays, particularly when correcting for displacement is time-consuming and requires high-spec hardware.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and system that normalizes images based on different imaging conditions and combines them to bring the gradation of the combined image close to the reference image's gradation, preventing reduced image quality without correcting for displacement, using a normalization unit and image combining unit to generate HDR images with improved dynamic range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If displacement correction is performed to prevent image quality reduction, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of displacement correction by using normalization to compensate for brightness variations caused by displacement, while omitting the complex and time-consuming geometric transformation operations. The normalization unit adjusts brightness based on imaging conditions without requiring precise spatial alignment, thus achieving image quality improvement without the full computational burden of traditional displacement correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simpler, more efficient normalization approach that can be quickly applied to each image without requiring heavy computational resources or complex algorithms. This lightweight method processes images rapidly while maintaining sufficient image quality, making it suitable for real-time or near-real-time applications where speed is critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If displacement correction is performed to prevent image quality reduction, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of displacement correction by using normalization to compensate for brightness variations caused by displacement, while omitting the complex and time-consuming geometric transformation operations. The normalization unit adjusts brightness based on imaging conditions without requiring precise spatial alignment, thus achieving image quality improvement without the full computational burden of traditional displacement correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from spatial parameter correction (displacement correction requiring coordinate transformation) to brightness parameter adjustment (normalization based on imaging conditions). This parameter transformation simplifies the computational requirements and reduces hardware complexity while still addressing the core issue of image quality degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If normalization is applied to correct brightness, then image quality degradation is reduced, but processing speed may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from spatial parameter correction (displacement correction requiring coordinate transformation) to brightness parameter adjustment (normalization based on imaging conditions). This parameter transformation simplifies the computational requirements and reduces hardware complexity while still addressing the core issue of image quality degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies normalization selectively and efficiently, adjusting brightness parameters only where necessary based on imaging conditions rather than applying complex corrections uniformly across all images. This partial application of correction mechanisms maintains processing speed while achieving sufficient image quality improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9274328B2Image processing apparatus, microscope system, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a normalization unit that generates a plurality of normalized images by correcting, based on different imaging conditions, brightness of a plurality of images at different brightness obtained by imaging a same subject with the different imaging conditions; and an image combining unit that generates a combined image by combining the plurality of normalized images. When the normalized image corresponding to a reference image that is a brightest image among the plurality of images is defined as a reference normalized image, the image combining unit combines the reference normalized image and a non-reference normalized image that is the normalized image other than the reference normalized image to bring gradation of pixel of the combined image close to gradation of pixel of the reference normalized image if the gradation of pixel of the combined image is smaller than the gradation of pixel of the reference normalized image.