Image Dynamic Range Compensation via Coefficient Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing devices using the Retinex theory face challenges with large circuit size and complexity due to the need for algebraic functions, exponential functions, and division operations, which can lead to increased noise and degradation in display quality, especially when modulating both illumination and reflectance components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an image processing device that reduces circuit size by using illumination and contrast enhancement coefficients to modulate the reflection-absorption component, eliminating the need for division and algebraic functions, and incorporates noise suppression and pattern style intensity control to enhance image quality without excessive enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If algebraic functions, exponential functions, and division operations are used to modulate illumination and reflectance components according to Retinex theory, then image processing accuracy is improved, but circuit size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex Retinex theory calculations into a simplified parameter-based approach. Instead of using algebraic functions, exponential functions, and division operations, the invention uses pre-calculated enhancement coefficients (K1, K2, K3) that depend only on the illumination component. This parameter transformation maintains image processing accuracy while dramatically reducing circuit complexity by eliminating complex mathematical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the complex mathematical operations from the real-time processing path. By pre-calculating the enhancement coefficients based only on the illumination component and storing them for lookup during image processing, the invention removes the need for complex algebraic and exponential calculations from the critical processing path, thereby reducing circuit size while maintaining processing accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mathematical operations are performed for dynamic range compensation, then image quality improvement is achieved, but noise increases and display quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the computational parameters from complex mathematical operations to simple coefficient-based scaling. By using pre-determined enhancement coefficients that are applied through simple multiplication operations, the invention maintains image quality improvement while avoiding the noise amplification and numerical instability that occur with complex algebraic and exponential operations in low-light regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, computationally inexpensive operations (multiplication and addition) instead of expensive complex mathematical operations. The enhancement coefficients are calculated once and reused for multiple pixels, reducing computational burden and minimizing the introduction of numerical noise, thereby preserving display quality.
3Measurement precision
If both illumination and reflectance components are modulated according to Retinex theory, then local dynamic range compensation is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reflectance component modulation from the real-time processing path and replaces it with a simplified approach. Instead of independently modulating both illumination and reflectance components using complex Retinex calculations, the invention modulates only the illumination component using pre-calculated coefficients, while the reflectance component is recovered through simple subtraction, thereby maintaining local dynamic range compensation effectiveness while reducing circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing device including an obtaining unit configured to obtain image data, a first modulator that multiplies a first coefficient by a reflection-absorption component, which is based on a difference between a pixel value of a pixel of interest among the image data and an illumination component of the pixel of interest, to modulate the reflection-absorption component, a second modulator that multiplies a second coefficient by the illumination component to modulate the illumination component, and an adding unit that adds the reflection-absorption component after modulation to the illumination component after modulation.