Image Correction Apparatus Using Polarization for Skin Region Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies only focus on observing skin state using polarization, lacking a method for image correction to make a person's image appear more beautiful.

Innovation Solution

An image correction apparatus that specifies partial skin regions satisfying predetermined conditions in one image and applies corresponding image processing to similar regions in another image, using polarization plates to capture and correct wrinkle and spot areas, enhancing the appearance of the skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If polarization light is used to observe skin state, then skin observation capability is improved, but image correction capability to make person look beautiful is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin observation capabilityVSAvoidimage correction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the skin region into multiple partial regions (wrinkle regions, spot regions, and other regions) based on predetermined conditions. By dividing the skin into distinct areas with different characteristics, the system can apply different correction processing to each region, thereby achieving both accurate skin observation and effective image correction to make the person look beautiful.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by treating different skin regions differently. Wrinkle regions receive one type of correction processing while spot regions receive another type of correction processing. This localized approach allows the system to maintain accurate skin observation capabilities while simultaneously improving the overall appearance, resolving the contradiction between observation precision and correction versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If partial region specifying is performed in first image, then correction precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining and storing the criteria for identifying wrinkle regions and spot regions in the first image before actual correction is needed. The partial region specifying is done in advance based on predetermined conditions, so that when correction is required, the system can quickly identify and process the appropriate regions without time-consuming analysis, thus achieving high precision with reduced processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple images are captured under different conditions, then correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection accuracyVSAvoidimage capturing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing an image capturing apparatus that can perform multiple functions using a unified system. The same apparatus captures both the first image (for region specification) and the second image (for correction), as well as providing both observation and correction capabilities. This multi-functional design achieves high correction accuracy through multiple images while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the creation of a more beautiful-looking image by specifying and correcting wrinkle and spot regions, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing image capture.

Implementation Method 1

when linear polarized light is reflected on a surface of an object, the polarization direction of the irradiated light will be maintained

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

when irradiated light enters inside an object before being reflected off, it is known that the polarization direction rotates according to the progression of the light inside the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization rotation: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS8718336B2Image correction apparatus, image correction method, skin diagnosis method, and computer program product
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US8718336B2 patent drawing
  • US8718336B2 patent drawing
  • US8718336B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image correction technology for causing a person image to look more beautiful is provided. Provided is an image correction apparatus a partial region specifying section that specifies a partial region of a skin that satisfies a predetermined condition, within a first image captured under a first image capturing condition; a corresponding region specifying section that specifies a corresponding region that corresponds to the partial region within a second image captured under a second image capturing condition that is different from the first image capturing condition; and an image correction section that corrects the second image by performing predetermined image processing to the corresponding region of the second image.