Image Fusion Mapping for EDOF and HDR Region Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to effectively generate images with extended depth of field (EDOF) and high dynamic range (HDR) by combining images with different focal distances and exposure amounts, as they do not account for regional variations in brightness or frequency, leading to suboptimal image quality and inefficient processing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that calculates combining ratios for regions of images based on brightness or frequency, using determination maps to combine far-point and near-point images with different exposure amounts, thereby generating an EDOF+HDR image with improved focus and dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If images with different focal distances and exposure amounts are combined to generate EDOF+HDR images, then both depth of field and dynamic range are extended, but the combination cannot account for regional variations in brightness or frequency leading to suboptimal image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple regions (e.g., foreground and background regions) and calculates different combining ratios for each region based on their specific brightness and frequency characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to account for regional variations and apply optimal combining strategies to each region, thereby improving overall image quality while maintaining extended depth of field and dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing characteristics to different regions of the image. By analyzing the brightness and frequency of each region, the system determines region-specific combining ratios that optimize the fusion of far-point and near-point images. This local quality approach ensures that each region receives the appropriate level of processing to maintain high image quality across the entire image while achieving extended depth of field and dynamic range.
2Device complexity
If a simple combining method is used to merge far-point and near-point images, then processing is simplified, but it cannot handle regional variations in brightness or frequency efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the input images to determine the brightness and frequency characteristics of different regions before performing the actual image combination. By pre-calculating these characteristics and determining appropriate combining ratios in advance, the system can efficiently process the image fusion without complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining high processing efficiency while handling regional variations.
3Device complexity
If uniform combining ratios are applied across the entire image, then calculation is simplified, but image quality deteriorates due to inability to handle regional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static uniform combining ratios to dynamic region-specific combining ratios. By continuously analyzing the brightness and frequency characteristics of different regions and adjusting the combining ratios accordingly, the system achieves optimal image quality. The dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle regional variations while maintaining manageable calculation complexity through efficient algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing device including a processor. The processor is configured to receive a far-point image focused at a far point and a near-point image focused at a near point. The far-point image and the near-point image have different exposure amounts from each other. Subsequently, the processor is configured to generate a determination map representing brightness or frequencies of respective regions of one of the far-point image and the near-point image, calculate combining ratios of the far-point image and the near-point image for the respective regions on the basis of the determination map and a prescribed relationship between a combining ratio and brightness or a frequency, and combine the far-point image and the near-point image by using the combining ratios calculated for the respective regions.