Image Processing Apparatus Correcting Scattered Light Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques fail to adequately correct image quality degradation due to light scattering, particularly underestimating the impact of Rayleigh scattering, leading to enhanced blue tones in distant objects.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that differentiates between Mie and Rayleigh scattering components by deriving reference intensities for each color component and applying weight values to correct pixel values, effectively reducing the influence of scattered light across the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If contrast correction is performed using minimum pixel values from all RGB channels without considering scattering differences, then general contrast improvement is achieved, but blue light scattered due to Rayleigh scattering is not corrected sufficiently and blue tones are enhanced in distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scattered light correction into two distinct components: Mie scattering correction and Rayleigh scattering correction. By separating these two scattering mechanisms and applying different correction strategies to each, the patent achieves both contrast improvement and color accuracy. The dark channel image is used for Mie scattering correction while the blue channel image is specifically processed for Rayleigh scattering correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different correction qualities to different color channels based on their specific scattering characteristics. The blue channel receives enhanced correction attention due to its susceptibility to Rayleigh scattering, while other channels follow the general dark channel correction approach. This localized quality adjustment ensures each color component is corrected according to its physical properties.
2Device complexity
If a single reference intensity is used for all color components, then processing complexity is reduced, but the different scattering characteristics of Mie and Rayleigh scattering cannot be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reference intensity calculation into separate processes for different scattering types. A first reference intensity is derived for Mie scattering correction and a second reference intensity is derived for Rayleigh scattering correction. This segmentation allows each reference intensity to be optimized for its specific scattering mechanism while maintaining manageable processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for reference intensity derivation based on the scattering type. For Mie scattering, the minimum pixel values from the dark channel image are used. For Rayleigh scattering, the pixel values from the blue channel image are used. This parameter adaptation ensures each correction process uses the most appropriate reference data for its specific purpose.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances image quality by accurately correcting both contrast and color distortions caused by Mie and Rayleigh scattering, resulting in a more natural and clear image representation.
Implementation Method 1
One is Mie scattering which is caused by particles, such as particles of dust, grit, and water vapor, whose particle diameters are larger than the wavelength of light
Implementation Method 2
The other is Rayleigh scattering which is caused by particles, such as air molecules, whose particle diameters are smaller than the wavelength of light
Data Source
AI summary
At least one image processing apparatus, and at least one method, of the present invention(s) generate a corrected image obtained by removing, from a color image whose pixel values contain components derived from scattered light, at least part of the components derived from the scattered light. The at least one image processing apparatus includes a generation unit configured to generate the corrected image by correcting a pixel value of a first color component of each pixel in the color image by using a first reference intensity and a weight value, and by correcting a pixel value of a second color component of each pixel in the color image by using a second reference intensity and a weight value.