Image Processing Apparatus Maintaining Color Saturation Gradation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques struggle to accurately evaluate color differences between objects due to the compression of high saturation colors, resulting in a significant difference between the displayed image's color gradation and the actual object's, making it difficult for users to designate evaluation regions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that captures an image, converts pixel values to L*a*b* values, determines the maximum color saturation that can be expressed by the display unit, and generates display image data to maintain a specific gradation in color saturation, allowing users to designate evaluation regions based on images with color saturation close to the actual object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high saturation color is compressed and converted into a color gamut that can be expressed by the display apparatus, then the image can be displayed on the display unit, but the gradation of color saturation becomes significantly different from that of the actual object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary image (second image) that serves as a mediator between the original captured image and the display output. This intermediary image maintains the original color saturation gradation and is used as a reference for accurate color evaluation, while the converted first image is displayed for compatibility. The intermediary acts as a bridge that preserves color information without being affected by display gamut limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the color evaluation function into two separate images: the first image (converted) for display compatibility and the second image (original) for accurate color reference. This segmentation allows each image to serve its specific purpose without compromise - one optimized for display, the other for measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If color gamut conversion is performed to match display unit characteristics, then the image can be displayed correctly, but the color saturation gradation is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by generating the second image with preserved color saturation gradation before display conversion. This pre-processed reference image is prepared in advance to maintain accurate color information, which is then used during the evaluation process to compensate for the distortion introduced in the first image by display conversion.
3Productivity
If the captured image is directly converted according to display unit characteristics, then the image can be displayed, but users cannot accurately designate evaluation regions due to color saturation distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The second image serves as an intermediary reference that users can consult when designating evaluation regions on the first image. Although the first image is displayed for efficiency, the second image provides accurate color saturation information that helps users make precise region designations, compensating for the distortion in the displayed image.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an obtainment unit configured to obtain first image data obtained by capturing an image of an object, a generation unit configured to generate second image data representing a second image by performing conversion to maintain a specific gradation in a color saturation range in a case where a hue or color saturation of a region of interest in a first image represented by the first image data is converted according to a characteristic of a display unit, a conversion unit configured to perform conversion on the first image and the second image according to the characteristic of the display unit, and a display control unit configured to display the converted first image and the converted second image together on the display unit.