Image Combining Device Parallel Processing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Focus stacking processing in image combining technologies often results in low image quality due to inaccurate alignment of image data from different focus positions, especially when dividing images into regions or groups without common references, leading to prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
An image combining device and method that distributes image data across multiple processing circuits, designating at least one image as a 'plural distribution image' to be processed by all circuits, while others are processed by a single circuit, ensuring precise alignment and reducing processing time without degrading image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data is divided into regions and processed in parallel, then processing time is reduced, but alignment accuracy deteriorates resulting in low image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A reference image is introduced as an intermediary element that all image processing circuits use for alignment. This mediator provides a common reference frame that enables accurate alignment across parallel processing circuits, resolving the contradiction between parallel processing speed and alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The image data is segmented into multiple regions that can be processed in parallel by different image processing circuits. This segmentation enables speed improvement while the reference image ensures that each segment maintains proper alignment relationships.
2Productivity
If multiple images are processed in parallel without common references, then processing efficiency is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reference image serves a universal function across all image processing circuits, providing a common basis for alignment. This multi-functional reference enables all parallel circuits to maintain consistent alignment precision while processing different image data simultaneously.
3Reliability
If focus stacking processing is performed with many images, then comprehensive focus coverage is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The set of multiple images for focus stacking is segmented into groups that can be processed in parallel. This allows comprehensive focus coverage from many images to be achieved while reducing total processing time through concurrent processing of image groups.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple image processing circuits operate continuously and simultaneously to process different image groups, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the focus stacking process, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive focus coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An image combining device, comprising a memory that stores a plurality of images for different focus positions, and focus positions when the plurality of images were acquired, a plurality of image processing circuits that combine the plurality of images for different focus positions to generate a combined image, and a processor that sets assignment for distributing the plurality of images for different focus positions to the plurality of image processing circuits, wherein the processor makes images for at least one focus position, among the plurality of images for different focus positions, a plural distribution image and distributes this plural distribution image to the plurality of image processing circuits, and sets assignment so that images other than the plural distribution image are distributed to any one of the plurality of image processing circuits.