Image Synthesis Unit Region-Based Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing apparatuses struggle to acquire an optimum image based on a user's region of interest, especially under low illumination, as they rely on automatic synthesis parameters that may not meet the desired image quality.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that synthesizes visible light and infrared light images, allowing for adjustment of the synthesis ratio based on user-selected region of interest evaluation, such as saturation, spatial frequency, and signal-to-noise ratio, to prioritize either color reproducibility or signal-to-noise ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If automatic synthesis parameters are used based on shooting environment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality in specific regions of interest deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis parameter controlVSAvoidimage quality in region of interest
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by specifying different synthesis parameters for different regions of interest within the image. The region specifying unit identifies specific areas, and the synthesis parameter setting unit assigns tailored parameters to each region, allowing optimal image quality in each area rather than using uniform automatic parameters throughout the entire image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making synthesis parameters adjustable and changeable based on user input. The system transitions from static automatic parameters to dynamic user-controlled parameters, allowing the synthesis ratio and other parameters to be modified according to specific regional requirements and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If synthesis ratio is adjusted to improve color reproducibility, then color accuracy improves, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reproducibilityVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of the synthesis ratio parameter. Users can modify the synthesis ratio to balance between color reproducibility and signal-to-noise ratio based on their specific needs. The system provides control over this critical parameter to achieve the desired trade-off between these two competing quality metrics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the synthesis ratio adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows real-time modification of the synthesis ratio parameter, enabling users to dynamically balance between color accuracy and noise levels according to their specific requirements for different imaging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If synthesis ratio is adjusted to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then noise reduction improves, but color reproducibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidcolor reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by enabling users to adjust the synthesis ratio parameter to prioritize signal-to-noise ratio when needed. By modifying this parameter, users can achieve better noise reduction at the cost of some color accuracy, depending on their specific imaging requirements and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If user can specify region of interest and adjust parameters, then image quality in region of interest improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality in region of interestVSAvoidparameter control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing a region specifying unit that identifies and isolates specific areas of interest within the image. This unit works together with the synthesis parameter setting unit to apply localized parameter adjustments only to the specified regions, improving image quality where needed without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a parameter setting unit that can handle multiple functions: automatic parameter determination, user input reception, region-based parameter assignment, and synthesis ratio adjustment. This multi-functional unit reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11178371B2Image processing apparatus, imaging system, recording medium, and control method
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 CANON KK
  • US11178371B2 patent drawing
  • US11178371B2 patent drawing
  • US11178371B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus that can obtain an optimum image in accordance with a region of interest of a user is provided. An image processing apparatus comprises an image synthesis unit configured to synthesize a visible light image and an infrared light image and generate a synthesis image; a region specifying unit configured to specify a region in the synthesis image; and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate the saturation of the synthesis image in a region specified by the region specifying unit. The image synthesis unit changes the synthesis ratio of the visible light image and the infrared light image in the synthesis image in accordance with the saturation that has been evaluated by the evaluation unit.