Hybrid U-ResNet-Dense Image Denoising for Low-Light Stellar Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image denoising algorithms fail to achieve effective denoising performance while preserving image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, affecting the visual effect and accuracy of object recognition in images captured by stellar cameras.

Innovation Solution

An image denoising method utilizing a model combining a U-shaped network, a residual network, and a dense network to enhance the removal of noise while preserving image details, trained using an adversarial network to generate additional training samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing image denoising algorithms are used, then noise removal is achieved, but image quality and details are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three different network architectures (U-shaped network for multi-scale feature extraction, residual network for gradient flow and detail preservation, and dense network for feature reuse) into a unified hybrid model. This merging allows the system to simultaneously achieve effective noise removal while preserving image quality and details, resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and quality maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid network model functions as a composite structure, integrating different neural network components (U-shaped, residual, and dense blocks) with complementary strengths. Each component contributes specific capabilities: U-shaped blocks for contextual understanding, residual blocks for gradient flow, and dense blocks for feature propagation, creating a robust composite system that maintains image quality while removing noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If stellar cameras are used in low-light conditions, then monitoring capability is improved, but image resolution and recognition accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-light capabilityVSAvoidrecognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of low-light noise into a training opportunity by using adversarial networks. The generator network learns to produce realistic clean images from noisy low-light inputs, while the discriminator network identifies authentic image characteristics. This adversarial training transforms the low-light noise problem into a benefit, enabling the model to enhance recognition accuracy in previously problematic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The model dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on input image characteristics, particularly adapting to low-light conditions by modifying feature extraction weights and noise filtering强度. The adversarial training process learns optimal parameter configurations for different lighting conditions, enabling the system to maintain high recognition accuracy across varying illumination levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional denoising methods are used, then processing speed is maintained, but denoising performance and generalization capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddenoising performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements comprehensive pre-training using adversarial networks to generate diverse training samples before actual denoising operations. The model undergoes extensive training on synthetic and real noisy images, learning robust noise patterns and cleaning strategies in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the model processes actual images, it can quickly apply learned denoising patterns without compromising speed, while achieving superior performance and generalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12394023B2Image denoising method and apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 SANECHIPS TECH CO LTD
  • US12394023B2 patent drawing
  • US12394023B2 patent drawing
  • US12394023B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates to the field of image processing, and provides an image denoising method and apparatus, an electronic device and a storage medium. The image denoising method includes: acquiring an image to be processed, and inputting the image to be processed into an image denoising model to acquire a denoised image, wherein the image denoising model is a model formed by combining a U-shaped network, a residual network and a dense network.