Image Processing Apparatus for Variable Illumination via Specular Component Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods cannot create images with a variable illumination position without physically moving the light source, as they fail to effectively separate and manipulate specular-reflection components from images captured at multiple viewpoints.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a transformation unit to match corresponding points across multiple images, a separating unit to remove specular-reflection components, and an image reconstructing unit to combine these components, allowing for the creation of images with a virtually changed light source position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If images are processed to create arbitrary viewing point images with fixed illumination position, then image synthesis from multiple viewpoints is achieved, but the illumination position cannot be varied without physically moving the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the specular-reflection component from the rendered image, separating it from the diffuse reflection component. This extracted specular component can then be independently manipulated to change the apparent light source position without physically moving the light source, thereby resolving the contradiction between illumination variability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rendering process into separate components: diffuse reflection rendering and specular-reflection component extraction. By processing these components separately and then recombining them with modified specular components, the system achieves variable illumination positions without physical light source manipulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If specular-reflection components are separated and manipulated to change light source position, then illumination control is achieved, but the image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the specular-reflection component from the rendered image using a separating unit that processes the rendered image data. This extraction allows the specular component to be independently manipulated for light source position control while maintaining a structured processing approach that manages complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic image processing system where the specular-reflection component can be selectively manipulated and recombined at different positions. This dynamic approach allows flexible light source positioning by processing and recombining image components rather than requiring static physical light source arrangements
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing apparatus including a transformation unit that is configured to deform images so that corresponding points in a plurality of images obtained from several viewpoints with respect to the same subject are matched; a separating unit that is configured to separate specular-reflection components from the plurality of images transformed by the transformation unit and create an image from which the specular-reflection component is removed; and an image reconstructing unit that is configured to combine at least one of the specular-reflection components of the plurality of images, separated by the separating unit, and the image from which the specular-reflection component is removed.