Image Region Processing for Dynamic Range and Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face limitations in efficiently processing and combining image data captured under varying shooting conditions, such as shutter speed and ISO sensitivity, for each pixel or region, which hinders the creation of images with extended dynamic range and increased depth of focus.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires and associates image region information with image-associated information for each region of a single frame, allowing for customized processing and storage of shooting conditions like shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and focal length, enabling the generation of second image data that combines multiple frames shot under different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple images are combined with different shooting conditions to extend dynamic range and depth of focus, then image quality is improved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into multiple regions, and shooting condition information is associated with each region separately. This allows selective processing of only those regions that require combination of multiple images, rather than processing the entire image uniformly, thereby reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining image quality improvement in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different shooting condition information is applied to different image regions based on their specific characteristics. This enables targeted enhancement of dynamic range and depth of focus in regions where it is most needed, while avoiding unnecessary processing in regions that already meet quality requirements, thus balancing image quality improvement with reduced processing burden.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple images are combined with different shooting conditions to extend dynamic range and depth of focus, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the image into multiple regions and associating shooting condition information with each region, the system identifies only the specific regions that require multi-image combination processing. This selective approach significantly reduces the total processing time compared to applying the same processing to the entire image, while still achieving image quality improvement in the critical regions.
3Manufacturing precision
If shooting conditions are varied for each pixel or region to capture different exposure levels, then dynamic range is extended, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image data is segmented into multiple regions, and shooting condition information is associated with each region. This structured organization of data by region makes it easier to manage and process the varied exposure levels, reducing the complexity of handling multi-condition data while maintaining extended dynamic range capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different shooting conditions are applied to different image regions based on local requirements. This allows the system to extend dynamic range effectively in regions where it is needed while avoiding unnecessary data processing in regions with adequate exposure, thereby reducing overall data processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, comprising a memory that stores first image data, and a processor that includes an image associated information processing section, wherein the image associated information processing section, for the image data of a single frame that has been taken at a plurality of shooting conditions, within the first image data that has been stored in the memory, acquires image region information, relating to an image region in which shooting is carried out at different shooting conditions, and image associated information of the image region, associates the image region information and the image associated information and subjects the first image data to image processing, and generates second image data.