Image Processing Apparatus Brightness Region Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image adjustment technologies struggle to maintain appropriate luminosity and color reproduction when capturing scenes with significant brightness differences between areas, leading to reduced visibility in monitoring systems using network cameras.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that classifies image areas based on brightness distribution, selectively adjusts gamma values, and combines images of different exposures to extend the dynamic range, ensuring appropriate luminosity and color reproduction by widening the output range for areas with higher brightness values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If gamma correction and gain correction are applied to the entire image, then luminosity can be improved, but color reproduction deteriorates in areas with different brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple regions with different brightness characteristics and applies different gamma correction values to each region. The image processing unit calculates a first gamma value for a first region and a second gamma value for a second region, then applies these region-specific gamma values to preserve both luminosity and color reproduction in各自 appropriate brightness zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image based on brightness distribution, identifying distinct regions with different luminance characteristics. By segmenting the image into multiple regions and applying different correction parameters to each segment, the system resolves the contradiction between improving overall luminosity and maintaining accurate color reproduction in varying brightness areas.
2Ease of operation
If standard gamma correction is applied, then processing simplicity is maintained, but visibility in high-contrast scenes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic gamma correction where the gamma value changes according to the regional brightness characteristics of the image. Instead of using a fixed gamma value for the entire image, the system dynamically calculates and applies different gamma values to different regions, improving visibility in high-contrast scenes while maintaining automated processing.
3Device complexity
If a single output range is used for the entire image, then device complexity is reduced, but visibility in areas with different brightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different output ranges to different regions of the image based on their brightness characteristics. The image processing unit determines a first output range for a first region and a second output range for a second region, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific brightness level while maintaining a unified processing framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus classifies areas included in an image in which one scene is captured, based on the distribution of brightness values of the image, accepts selection of an area that is to be processed, from among the classified areas, extends a first output range corresponding to an input range of brightness values of pixels in the selected area, so as to be wider than a second output range that is the output range when the area is not selected, and outputs an image for which an output range of brightness values has been extended to the first output range and that includes at least the selected area.