Image Processing Apparatus Visible Invisible Spectrum Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing techniques fail to provide visible and invisible images with qualities suitable for independent use, as they typically process mixed images constructed from both spectrums without considering independent correction needs.

Innovation Solution

The image processing apparatus separates visible and invisible images before applying distinct correction processes, ensuring the invisible image quality is equivalent to the visible image quality, using a system with a reading unit and image correction processing unit that includes an image separating unit, gamma correcting unit, spatial filtering unit, and color correcting unit to process each image type separately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If visible and invisible images are processed as a mixed image, then the processing system is simpler, but the image quality for independent use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing system complexityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the processing of visible and invisible images into distinct correction units. The visible image correction unit applies corrections optimized for visible spectrum characteristics, while the invisible image correction unit applies corrections optimized for invisible spectrum characteristics. This segmentation allows each image type to receive specialized processing, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and image quality by organizing complexity in a structured, spectrum-specific manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If different correction processes are applied to visible and invisible images, then image quality is improved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying different correction processes tailored to specific spectrum characteristics. The visible image correction unit applies corrections suited for visible light properties, while the invisible image correction unit applies corrections suited for invisible light properties. This allows each image type to receive locally optimized processing, improving overall image quality while managing complexity through specialized, targeted corrections rather than a single complex universal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a single correction process is used for both visible and invisible images, then the processing is simpler, but the suitability for independent use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidimage suitability for independent use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by creating a dual-correction system where both visible and invisible images can be processed independently through their respective correction units. The system maintains versatility by allowing users to obtain either visible images, invisible images, or both separately, each optimized for its specific spectrum. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by providing specialized processing paths that maintain simplicity within each path while enabling versatile independent use of either image type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3609170B1Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and carrier medium
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3609170B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609170B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3609170B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

An image processing apparatus (100) includes a sensor (61), an image separating unit (62), and an image correction processing unit (2). The sensor (61) is configured to read a visible spectrum and an invisible spectrum of an image. The image separating unit (62) is configured to separate the image read into a visible image and an invisible image. The image correction processing unit (2) is configured to perform different image correction processes on the visible image and the invisible image, respectively.