Image Processing Scene Determination for Nightscape Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in automatically determining the exposure status of images, particularly for nightscapes and underexposure images, leading to inadequate correction processing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that calculates feature amounts from input image data, determines the scene based on these amounts, and performs correction processing using a combination of feature amount calculation, scene determination, and correction units to accurately identify scenes and apply appropriate corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic scene determination is performed based on photographing conditions and image features, then correction processing efficiency is improved, but determination accuracy deteriorates when photographing conditions are not set or have been replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scene determination unit that acts as an intermediary between the image data and correction processing. This unit comprehensively analyzes multiple features including luminance distribution, color distribution, and histogram characteristics to determine scene types (nightscape, underexposure, backlight, etc.). By using this intermediary analysis step that considers multiple image features rather than relying solely on photographing conditions, the system achieves accurate scene determination even when photographing condition data is missing or replaced, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation efficiency and determination accuracy.
2Speed
If scene determination is performed using only image feature quantities, then processing speed is improved, but discrimination accuracy between nightscape and backlighted images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from one-dimensional scene determination (using only luminance difference between central and peripheral areas) to multi-dimensional analysis by introducing additional feature dimensions including color distribution characteristics, histogram analysis, and saturation distribution. The scene determination unit evaluates multiple features simultaneously across different dimensions to distinguish between nightscape and backlighted images. This multi-dimensional approach maintains processing speed while significantly improving discrimination accuracy, as it can identify subtle differences that single-dimensional analysis would miss.
3Illumination intensity
If correction processing is applied to all dark areas in images, then overall image brightness is improved, but nightscape images are incorrectly corrected and lose their characteristic dark atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing different correction operations on different regions of the image based on scene determination results. When a nightscape scene is detected, the system applies minimal or selective correction to preserve the characteristic dark areas and atmospheric quality. When underexposure or backlight scenes are detected, the system applies stronger correction to brighten dark regions. This localized, scene-aware correction approach ensures that each image type receives appropriate treatment, improving both overall brightness where needed and preserving artistic quality where darkness is intentional.
Data Source
AI summary
A feature amount is calculated from input image data, then a scene of the input image data is determined based on the feature amount and the reliability of the scene is calculated. Then correction processing is performed on the input image data that corresponds to the determined scene and the scene reliability of the scene.