Image Processing Device for Constant Rotation Frame Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing technologies face challenges in obtaining moving image data with a constant rotation angle for each frame when capturing objects rotating at non-constant angular velocities, particularly when using manually rotated turntables, leading to uncomfortable user experiences due to inconsistent rotational speeds.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that selects frame images from captured data based on rotation angle information, using threshold values and feature points to ensure approximately constant rotation angles, allowing for the generation of moving image data with consistent rotation angles by choosing appropriate frame images from captured images shot at different times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a manually rotated turntable is used to capture image data, then costs and labors are reduced, but the angular velocity becomes non-constant causing inconsistent rotation angles between frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost and laborVSAvoidrotation angle consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical constant velocity control system with an information processing system. Instead of using a mechanically controlled turntable with constant angular velocity, the system captures images during manual rotation and uses computer processing to calculate rotation angles between frames, selecting or generating frames that achieve constant rotation angles in the output video sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter control approach from controlling physical rotation speed to controlling frame selection based on calculated rotation angles. The system calculates the rotation angle between consecutive frames and uses this information to select frames that maintain constant rotation angles in the final video, rather than controlling the physical rotation speed during capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If captured image data with non-constant rotation angles is reproduced directly, then processing is simpler, but users experience discomfort due to varying rotational speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing complexityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple playback mechanism with an intelligent frame selection system. Instead of directly reproducing captured frames in chronological order, the system calculates rotation angles between frames and selectively chooses frames that maintain constant rotation angles, providing smooth visual experience without requiring mechanical constant velocity control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If frame images are selected based on rotation angle information with threshold values, then constant rotation angles are achieved, but additional processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle consistencyVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-analysis by automatically calculating rotation angles between consecutive frames and using this information to guide frame selection. The rotation angle information obtained through image processing serves both as an analysis metric and as a selection criterion, eliminating the need for external reference data or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2903256B1Image processing device, image processing method and program
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 RAKUTEN GROUP INC
  • EP2903256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2903256B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2903256B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Acquisition of moving image data in which a rotation angle of an object is approximately constant for each frame is enabled based on captured image data of the object rotating at a non-constant angular velocity. A captured image obtaining unit (50) obtains a plurality of captured images obtained by repeatedly shooting a rotating object. In a case where a feature point corresponding to a certain point on the object is specified in one captured image and another captured image, a position information obtaining unit (54) obtains position information relating to a position of the feature point in the one captured image and the another captured image. A rotation angle information obtaining unit (56) obtains rotation angle information relating to a rotation angle of the object between a point of time when the one captured image is shot and a point of time when the another captured image is shot based on position information. A moving image data generating unit (58) generates moving image data by selecting frame images of the moving image data from the plurality of photographed images based on rotation angle information obtained for each of the plurality of photographed images.