Automatic Image Compositing Device for Multi-Angle Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image combining techniques require manual control of light quantity, making the process complex and dependent on user intervention, especially when combining images from multiple angles.
Innovation Solution
An automatic image combining apparatus that calculates a blend ratio for each pixel to seamlessly transition between images captured from different lighting angles, eliminating the need for manual light control by using a blend pattern generating unit and image blending unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual control of light quantity is used for combining images, then the quality of combined image can be optimized, but the operation complexity increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the blend ratio for each pixel by calculating reflection positions based on lighting geometry, eliminating the need for manual light quantity adjustment. The device serves itself by computing the optimal combination proportion through geometric calculations of light incidence and reflection angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from manual light quantity adjustment to automatic blend ratio calculation based on geometric parameters (lighting positions, subject position, reflection angles). This transforms the operation from subjective manual control to objective parameter-based automatic determination.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual control of light quantity is used for combining images, then the combination proportion can be optimized, but the device complexity and automation level are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates the blend ratio for each pixel by determining reflection positions using lighting geometry. The device performs self-service by computing optimal combination proportions through geometric calculations without requiring manual intervention for light quantity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical adjustment of light quantity with an automated computational system that calculates blend ratios based on geometric parameters. This substitutes physical manual control with algorithmic determination.
3Ease of manufacture
If images are combined without automatic blend ratio calculation, then manual control is required, but the processing time and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of reflection positions and blend ratios based on lighting geometry before actual image combination. By pre-calculating the optimal blend proportion for each pixel, the system streamlines the combining process and reduces operational steps.
4Manufacturing precision
If lighting positions are adjusted to control reflection, then image quality can be optimized, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring manual adjustment of lighting positions to control reflection, the system performs self-service by automatically calculating the blend ratio based on the fixed lighting geometry. The device computes the optimal combination proportion through geometric calculations of light incidence and reflection angles without requiring physical adjustment of lighting equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and automatic combination of images from multiple angles, effectively suppressing lighting reflections and maintaining image quality without adjusting lighting positions, even with glossy subjects.
Implementation Method 1
calculates a point b at which an angle of incidence of light from the first lighting device to the subject is equal to an angle of reflection of light from the subject to the shooting device and a point c at which an angle of incidence of light from the second lighting device to the subject is equal to an angle of reflection of light from the subject to the shooting device
Data Source
AI summary
In the case of combining images subjected to lighting from a plurality of directions, a manual control such as light quantity control is needed and is therefore troublesome. The present invention includes an input unit receiving a first image obtained by shooting a subject with light applied thereto from a first lighting device in a diagonal direction, the input unit receiving a second image obtained by shooting the subject with light applied thereto from a second lighting device in an opposite diagonal direction, the input unit accepting information on the subject and a shooting device; a blend pattern generating unit calculating and finding, based on the accepted information, a ratio Z for determining a proportion in combining of the first image and the second image for each pixel; an image blending unit obtaining a third image combined by adding the first image multiplied by the ratio Z and the second image multiplied by 1-Z for each pixel; and an output unit outputting the third image.