Image Processing Apparatus Defocus Overlay for Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing image processing systems, users face difficulty in determining the focus state when scaling images during focus adjustment, especially when no focus region is included in the enlarged screen, making it hard to distinguish between front-blurred and back-blurred subjects.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that generates scaled images and superimposes defocus information, including shift amount and direction of the focal point, on the display, with different defocus ranges for the original and scaled images, allowing users to easily determine focus states even during scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image is scaled up for detailed focus adjustment, then the user can see fine details better, but the defocus information becomes less visible and harder to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays defocus information in a different visual dimension (transparency/opacity layer) on top of the scaled image, allowing both the detailed image and defocus information to coexist without competing for the same visual space. This resolves the contradiction by adding a new dimension for information display rather than competing in the same plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transparency levels to different regions of the defocus information overlay, making the defocus information more visible in certain areas while maintaining image visibility in others. This local differentiation allows users to see both the scaled image details and the defocus information simultaneously in their respective optimal forms.
2Illumination intensity
If the aperture is opened for better light gathering, then the brightness increases, but the depth of field decreases making focus determination harder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces defocus information overlay as an intermediary element that mediates between the bright scaled image and the user's need to determine focus state. This overlay provides the missing depth of field information that cannot be obtained from the bright image alone, allowing users to accurately determine focus state even when aperture is opened for brightness.
3Area of stationary object
If the entire image is displayed for context, then the user can see the full scene, but the focus adjustment precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into multiple functional layers: the full scaled image providing context and the separate defocus information overlay providing precision guidance. This segmentation allows users to simultaneously access both the full scene context and precise focus adjustment information without compromising either function.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises at least one processor which function as: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an image; a scaling unit configured to generate a scaled image obtained by scaling at least a portion of the obtained image; and a display control unit configured to display the obtained image or the scaled image and defocus information including a shift amount and a shift direction of a focal point in a superimposed manner on a display, wherein in a case where displaying the obtained image, the display control unit superimposes defocus information of a first defocus range that includes a range to be focused, and in a case where displaying the scaled image, the display control unit superimposes defocus information of a second defocus range that includes at least a portion of a defocus range of the scaled image.