Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Parameter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies cannot effectively utilize both shooting information and image processing control information simultaneously, leading to inadequate image processing that fails to reflect shooting conditions and photographer intentions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire and combine shooting information and image processing control information to set picture quality adjustment parameters, allowing for image processing that reflects shooting conditions and photographer intentions by prioritizing specified parameters and using shooting condition parameters where necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image processing control information is used to set picture quality adjustment parameters, then image processing reflects photographer's intention, but shooting information cannot be utilized even if associated with image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter setting where the system adaptively switches between using image processing control information and shooting information based on availability. The determination unit dynamically identifies which information source to use, and the setting unit adjusts parameters accordingly, making the system flexible rather than static in its information usage approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a determination unit as an intermediary component that mediates between image processing control information and shooting information. This intermediary evaluates both information sources and selects the appropriate one for parameter setting, enabling the system to utilize shooting information when control information is unavailable while maintaining priority for control information when available.
2Device complexity
If either shooting information or image processing control information is used exclusively, then the system design is simple, but information that could be used is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal parameter setting mechanism that can process both image processing control information and shooting information through the same determination and setting units. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle multiple information sources without requiring separate processing paths, thus avoiding excessive complexity while maximizing information utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter setting approach from exclusive use of one information type to conditional use of multiple types. The determination unit evaluates the availability and applicability of different information sources, and the setting unit adjusts parameters based on which information is most appropriate, thereby reducing information loss without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If one set of information cannot be used, then the other set of information cannot be used either in existing systems, but this limits image processing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic information source selection where the system adapts its information usage based on availability. When image processing control information is unavailable or inapplicable, the determination unit dynamically switches to using shooting information, ensuring continuous effective parameter setting without system redesign or loss of processing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit provides feedback about the availability and applicability of different information sources, enabling the setting unit to adjust parameter setting strategies accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system always uses the most appropriate available information, maintaining high image processing quality regardless of which information source is available.
Data Source
AI summary
Image processing apparatus 10 analyzes image data to acquire picture quality characteristic values, and uses shooting information SI and image processing control information GI associated with the image data to define a scene correction condition and an arbitrary correction condition. The image processing apparatus 10 preferentially uses information from the image processing control information GI, while using [information] from the shooting information SI where this information is not present in the image processing control information GI, with the aim of effective mutual utilization of image processing control information GI and shooting information SI. The image processing apparatus 10 defines an automatic correction level AP on the basis of the acquired picture quality characteristic values, scene correction condition and arbitrary correction condition, and defines a manual correction level MP on the basis of a manual correction condition in the image processing control information GI. Utilizing the automatic correction level AP and manual correction level MP, the image processing apparatus 10 executes a picture quality adjustment process to correct the image data.