Image Processing Apparatus Automatic Refocus Multi-View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field cameras require users to perform extra tapping operations to adjust focus when switching between images, especially when a person is out of focus, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that obtains multi-view image data and sets a reproduction-refocus-mode to automatically generate and display a combined image focused on a designated target, eliminating the need for manual tapping operations by using a control unit to analyze and refocus images based on pre-set modes such as human or landscape modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tapping operation is used to adjust focus when switching images, then focus can be adjusted, but user operation complexity increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis during image capture to identify the main subject and pre-calculates refocus parameters. When switching to reproduction mode, the system automatically applies the pre-calculated focus settings, eliminating the need for manual tapping operations and saving user time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service focus adjustment by automatically detecting the main subject in multi-view image data and performing refocus processing without user intervention. The apparatus identifies objects, determines focus targets, and generates refocused images autonomously, making the focus adjustment process serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If automatic refocus mode is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a general image processor and specifically as an object detector and refocus controller. By making the processing unit universal, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving automatic refocus capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the object detection function, focus target determination function, and refocus processing function into a single integrated image processing unit. This consolidation combines multiple functions that could have been separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the automatic refocus capability.
Data Source
AI summary
It is required to carry out a tapping operation on a display screen to adjust the focus in a case where refocus process is performed in shifting to a reproduction mode, so that a user has to do an extra work. An image processing apparatus obtains a multi-view image data obtained by image-capturing in a plurality of viewpoints. A mode indicating information on a target to be focused is set. A combined image data focused on the target is generated by executing image processing to the multi-view image data based on the set mode.