Image Processing Apparatus Sharpness Control for Stereoscopic Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing methods fail to maintain the stereoscopic effect in output images due to degradation in sharpness caused by print media, ink bleeding, resizing, and variations in brightness, which affect the perceived depth and focus in two-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that adjusts the sharpness of image data based on distance from the focal plane, using a control unit to set a sharpness control amount corresponding to the in-focus region, thereby maintaining the stereoscopic effect by considering the luminance of the peripheral region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image data is processed for output through print media or display devices, then the image can be output and viewed, but the sharpness of the image degrades due to print medium degradation, ink bleeding, or resizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sharpness enhancement processing before output to compensate for anticipated sharpness degradation. By calculating the sharpness control amount based on distance information and applying it in advance, the system pre-compensates for the sharpness loss that will occur during output through print media or display devices, thereby maintaining the stereoscopic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the sharpness control amount as a parameter based on distance information from the focal plane and luminance characteristics. By changing the sharpness enhancement parameter according to the specific region's distance and brightness, the system optimizes the balance between sharpness restoration and stereoscopic effect preservation for different parts of the image.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sharpness of in-focus regions is enhanced to maintain stereoscopic effect, then the perceived depth is improved, but the brightness distribution and natural appearance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sharpness control amounts to different regions of the image based on their distance from the focal plane and luminance characteristics. In-focus regions receive appropriate sharpness enhancement while out-of-focus regions maintain their natural blur characteristics, preserving the overall brightness distribution and natural appearance of the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses luminance information of peripheral regions as feedback to determine the appropriate sharpness control amount for in-focus regions. By considering the brightness characteristics of surrounding areas, the system adjusts the sharpness enhancement to maintain natural appearance and avoid excessive contrast that would disrupt the overall brightness distribution.
3Reliability
If depth information is used to control sharpness for each position, then the stereoscopic effect is enhanced, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into regions based on distance information from the focal plane and applies different sharpness control amounts to each region. This segmentation approach allows the system to manage processing complexity by handling different regions independently with appropriate sharpness enhancement, rather than processing the entire image uniformly.
Data Source
AI summary
Image data of a photographic image is inputted, and based on information related to a distance from a focal plane when capture is performed, the sharpness of an image that the inputted image data represents is controlled. Image data resulting from the sharpness control being performed is outputted. In the sharpness control, the sharpness control amount is set in accordance with the luminance of a peripheral region that neighbors an in-focus region that is determined to be in-focus in the image.