Image Processing Apparatus Refocus Range Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods for blur addition in cameras have a limited refocus range, restricting the ability to set a focus plane beyond a certain distance, resulting in insufficient flexibility in generating images with high resolution.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that calculates distance information using first and second images from different pupil regions of an imaging optical system and adds blur to original images based on this information, allowing the focus plane to be moved by a predetermined refocus distance, switching between A+B images and αA+βB images depending on the refocus distance to expand the refocus range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image resolution is reduced for objects further away from the reference plane to generate blurred images, then blur addition processing can be performed, but the settable refocus range is limited to the vicinity of the focus plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between two different original images (first original image with smaller effective F-number and second original image with larger effective F-number) based on the refocus distance threshold. This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt to different refocus requirements, expanding the refocus range while maintaining image quality through appropriate blur addition processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the effective F-number parameter by selecting different original images (first original image with smaller effective F-number or second original image with larger effective F-number) based on the refocus distance. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both near-focus and far-focus refocus operations with sufficient image resolution, thereby expanding the refocus range.
2Manufacturing precision
If a refocus plane is set only in the vicinity of the focus plane with sufficiently high image resolution, then image quality is maintained, but the refocus range becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which original image to use based on the refocus distance threshold. When the refocus distance is within the threshold, the first original image is used; when it exceeds the threshold, the second original image is used. This dynamic adaptation ensures sufficient image resolution is maintained across a wider refocus range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the refocus range into two zones based on the threshold: a near-focus zone (refocus distance ≤ threshold) using the first original image, and a far-focus zone (refocus distance > threshold) using the second original image. This segmentation allows each zone to use the most appropriate original image for maintaining image resolution, thereby expanding the overall refocus range.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a distance calculation unit configured to calculate distance information on the basis of a first image and a second image; and a blur addition unit configured to add a blur to original images based on the first image and the second image, using the distance information calculated by the distance calculation unit and to move a focus plane by a predetermined refocus distance. The blur addition unit adds the blur to a first original image when the refocus distance is equal to or less than a threshold and adds the blur to a second original image, which is an image having an effective F-number greater than an effective F-number of the first original image, when the refocus distance is greater than the threshold.