Image Processing Apparatus Pulse Estimation Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques face challenges in accurately estimating pulse from face images captured by cameras due to data compression methods that introduce noise and increase data amounts, making it difficult to distinguish pulse signals from noise, especially when switching between different picture types in a group of pictures.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a data compression processing unit and an operation-mode selection unit, allowing for different data compression settings between normal imaging and pulse estimation modes, including adjusting the interval between I pictures and executing noise reduction selectively to minimize noise interference and maintain image quality for pulse estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data compression processing is applied using inter-frame prediction, then data amount is reduced and storage/transmission is facilitated, but noise is introduced that interferes with pulse signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality settings to different regions of the image. The face region (where pulse detection occurs) maintains higher quality with less compression, while other regions use standard compression. This is achieved by setting the face region as a priority area and controlling the number of reference pictures used for compression in that specific region, thereby reducing noise interference in the pulse detection area while still achieving overall data reduction.
2Measurement precision
If the number of reference pictures is increased to improve pulse detection accuracy, then pulse signal quality is improved, but data amount and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent limits the number of reference pictures used for compression specifically in the face region to 1 or 2, while other regions may use more reference pictures. This local control allows sufficient reference pictures to maintain pulse signal quality in the face region without increasing overall data amount excessively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the image into different regions (face region and non-face regions) and applies different compression settings to each. The face region is segmented as a priority area with controlled reference picture usage, separating it from other regions that can use more aggressive compression.
3Quantity of substance
If standard data compression is applied to the entire image, then overall data reduction is achieved, but pulse signal detection accuracy deteriorates due to noise in the face region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies differentiated compression quality to different regions. The face region maintains higher quality with limited reference pictures (1-2) to preserve pulse signal integrity, while other regions use standard compression with more reference pictures to achieve greater data reduction. This resolves the contradiction by applying compression selectively based on regional importance.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus including a memory and a processor is provided. The image processing apparatus is configured to perform selecting one of data compression processing modes in response to a user input, and executing, according to the selected data compression processing mode, data compression processing on an input captured image based on an inter-frame prediction. The image processing apparatus is further configured perform generating a compressed image from the executed data compression processing. A group of pictures with respect to the generated compressed image is different according to the data compression processing modes. When receiving a request for acquiring vital information from a person captured in the input captured image, one of the data compression processing modes is selected so that the generated compressed image is configured by I pictures only.