Imaging Apparatus Backlight Correction via Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in controlling simultaneous backlight correction, wide dynamic range, and digital dodging processes, leading to over-brightened images, especially when capturing outdoor scenes from indoor locations, and this control is difficult for remote users due to variability in imaging apparatus models and subject movement.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with a network-connected monitoring camera and client apparatus that allows for centralized control of imaging settings, including backlight compensation, wide dynamic range, and dark compensation, using standardized ONVIF commands to adjust exposure and image processing settings, with an automatic dark compensation mode to prevent over-brightening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple processes (backlight correction, wide dynamic range, digital dodging) are performed simultaneously to brighten captured images, then image brightness is improved, but the captured image becomes too bright and loses detail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage brightnessVSAvoidimage quality control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different image processing modes (normal mode and composite imaging mode) based on real-time detection of subject movement and brightness changes. This allows the brightness correction to be adaptive rather than static, preventing over-brightening while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters by selectively applying different processes based on detection results. When subject movement is detected or brightness changes exceed thresholds, the system modifies which processes are applied (e.g., switching from composite imaging mode to normal imaging mode), thereby controlling the degree of brightening to maintain optimal image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If remote users control imaging processes through network, then operational flexibility is improved, but control precision is reduced due to variability in apparatus models and subject movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic detection and switching mechanisms that provide feedback loops. The imaging apparatus automatically detects subject movement and brightness changes, then switches processing modes accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for the lack of direct user control, maintaining precision despite remote operation and apparatus variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging apparatus performs self-adjustment by automatically switching between normal and composite imaging modes based on its own detection of subject movement and brightness conditions. This self-service capability reduces reliance on precise remote control, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance autonomously across different apparatus models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If composite imaging mode is used to capture images with subject movement, then image capture capability is improved, but brightness control becomes difficult leading to over-brightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to capture moving subjectsVSAvoidbrightness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between normal mode and composite imaging mode based on real-time detection of subject movement. When movement is detected, the system transitions to composite imaging mode to maintain capture capability, then automatically adjusts brightness parameters to prevent over-brightening, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and control ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters by switching modes based on subject movement detection. In composite imaging mode, the system applies multiple processes but automatically adjusts their intensity or selection to maintain brightness control, thereby preserving both capture capability and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3069504B1Imaging apparatus, external apparatus, control method for imaging apparatus, control method for external apparatus and programs
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 CANON KK
  • EP3069504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3069504B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3069504B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An imaging apparatus which communicates with an external apparatus via a network, includes an imaging unit; a first image processing unit configured to change, by image processing, a brightness of a captured image output from the imaging unit; a second image processing unit configured to change, by image processing that is different from the image processing by the first image processing unit, a brightness of a captured image output from the imaging unit; a receiving unit configured to receive, from the external apparatus via the network, a single command in which first image processing information for controlling an operation of the first image processing unit and second image processing information for controlling an operation of the second image processing unit may be described; and a control unit configured to control the first image processing unit and the second image processing unit in accordance with the command received by the receiving unit.