Image Denoising via Segmented Neural Network Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for denoising media data, especially in low light scenarios, require repeated frame blending and are limited by fixed deep learning model parameters, making dynamic noise reduction based on captured conditions challenging.

Innovation Solution

A method that segregates images into regions based on noise reduction levels, using neural networks to vary control features and achieve requested noise reduction, with contextual information such as user inputs, face detection, and sensor metadata used to create alpha maps and control denoising strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple frames are blended to reduce noise in low light media data, then noise reduction is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase due to repeated blending operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise in media dataVSAvoidprocessing time for frame blending
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple frames in advance and preparing them for blending. The denoising operation is applied selectively based on predicted motion and regional analysis, rather than processing all frames equally, thus reducing unnecessary processing time while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The image is divided into multiple regions with different motion characteristics. Different denoising operations are applied to different regions based on their motion levels. High-motion regions receive less aggressive denoising while low-motion regions receive stronger denoising, optimizing the balance between noise reduction and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If deep learning models are used to reduce noise, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but the models cannot dynamically adapt to varying capture conditions due to fixed training parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise in media dataVSAvoiddynamic adaptation to capture conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic control features that allow the deep learning model to adapt to varying capture conditions in real-time. Control features such as exposure time, ISO sensitivity, and scene type are extracted and fed into the model, enabling it to adjust its denoising behavior dynamically without requiring retraining for each condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters of the deep learning model during inference based on captured conditions. By modifying control features such as noise level estimates, motion blur parameters, and lighting conditions, the model can adapt its behavior to match the specific capture scenario, achieving versatility without retraining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If uniform denoising is applied across the entire image, then noise reduction is simplified, but important details and edges may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise in media dataVSAvoiddetail preservation in image
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different denoising strengths to different regions of the image based on local characteristics. Regions with edges, textures, or high-frequency content receive lighter denoising to preserve details, while smooth regions with dominant noise receive stronger denoising. This local quality approach maintains image fidelity while effectively reducing noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The image is segmented into multiple regions based on motion analysis, edge detection, and texture characteristics. Each region is assigned a different denoising parameter set, allowing the system to preserve important features in critical regions while aggressively denoising in less important areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12249047B2Methods and systems for denoising media using contextual information of the media
Publication Date: 2025.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12249047B2 patent drawing
  • US12249047B2 patent drawing
  • US12249047B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for processing image data, may include: receiving at least one image; segregating the at least one image into at least one region, based on a requested noise reduction level; and denoising the at least one image by varying at least one control feature of the segregated at least one region by a neural network to achieve the requested noise reduction level.