Image Capture Apparatus Virtual Light Source Shadow Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image capture systems using auxiliary light sources often result in flat images with reduced shadows, leading to a lack of three-dimensional characteristics, especially in low-light conditions, and require multiple light sources, increasing costs and capture time, with potential failure to obtain desired images if the subject moves.

Innovation Solution

An image capture apparatus that applies correction processing using a virtual light source to enhance shadows, determining the amount of light and parameters based on the degree of shadows in the image, allowing for effective relighting processing to improve image quality without the need for multiple auxiliary light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If multiple auxiliary light sources are provided to capture images with shadows, then the three-dimensional characteristics of the image are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional characteristicsVSAvoidnumber of auxiliary light sources

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual light source through image processing that copies the shadow-producing effect of a physical light source. By analyzing the captured image and generating shadow information, the system synthesizes shadow effects computationally, eliminating the need for multiple physical light sources while maintaining the three-dimensional visual characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical light sources with an information processing system. Instead of using additional hardware components to create shadows, the system uses image data analysis and computational algorithms to generate shadow effects, substituting physical light emission with digital image processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If multiple auxiliary light sources are used for image capture, then shadow effects are improved, but the image capture time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshadow characteristicsVSAvoidimage capture time

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of the captured image to identify shadow regions and characteristics before generating the final processed image. By pre-processing the image data to detect shadow information and then applying shadow generation algorithms, the system efficiently creates shadow effects in a single capture sequence without requiring multiple sequential captures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous image processing operation where shadow information is extracted and applied in real-time during the image capture workflow. The system processes image data continuously to generate and apply shadow effects without interrupting the capture sequence, ensuring uninterrupted useful action throughout the imaging process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Shape

If multiple auxiliary light sources are provided to capture images with shadows, then the three-dimensional characteristics are improved, but the cost of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional characteristicsVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical light source parameters (number, position, intensity of multiple flash units) to image processing parameters (shadow strength, blur amount, spread). By controlling shadow generation through software parameters rather than hardware specifications, the system achieves the same visual effect at lower manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10397486B2Image capture apparatus and method executed by image capture apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 CANON KK

AI summary

The amount of light to be emitted by an auxiliary light source for capturing an image to which correction processing is applied, as well as a parameter used in the correction processing, is determined based on a degree of shadows of an object to be captured using the auxiliary light source. In this way, shadows in an image obtained through image capture using the auxiliary light source can be appropriately corrected with a simple method.