Imaging Device Restoration Filter Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in reducing memory capacity requirements for storing restoration filters while maintaining image resolution, as they need to store multiple filters for various lens types, zoom magnifications, and subject distances, leading to potential overcorrection and resolution degradation due to incorrect filter selection.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device that estimates the subject distance using a focus detection unit and selects a restoration filter from a storage unit that stores filters within a specific range, reducing the number of filters needed by excluding those that could cause overcorrection, thereby optimizing memory usage and improving resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple restoration filters are stored for various lens types, zoom magnifications, and subject distances, then image restoration quality is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of subject distance estimation by introducing estimation variation ranges. Instead of using a single precise subject distance value, the system estimates a range (variation) around the measured distance. This allows the system to select restoration filters based on distance ranges rather than requiring filters for every possible distance value, thereby reducing memory capacity while maintaining restoration quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by storing restoration filters only for specific subject distance ranges rather than for all possible distances. By determining that filters beyond a certain distance variation range would cause overcorrection and are therefore unnecessary, the system stores only the partial set of filters needed for effective restoration, reducing memory requirements while maintaining quality within the useful range.
2Measurement precision
If restoration filters are stored for all possible subject distances, then appropriate filter selection is improved, but the risk of overcorrection and resolution degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-determining and storing restoration filters only within safe subject distance ranges before actual image restoration occurs. By calculating and establishing the maximum subject distance variation range in advance and only storing filters within this range, the system prevents overcorrection from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to correct it after it happens. This cushioning approach ensures reliability by design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by measuring the actual subject distance, comparing it against the stored filter ranges, and selecting filters based on this feedback. The system continuously monitors subject distance and uses this information to appropriately select restoration filters, preventing overcorrection by feedback-based selection rather than blanket application of strong restoration across all distances.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of restoration filters is decreased by discrete storage, then memory capacity is reduced, but interpolation may cause resolution degradation or overcorrection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing restoration filters for specific subject distance ranges before image restoration is needed. Instead of interpolating filters during the restoration process (which can cause degradation), the system has already prepared appropriate filters in advance for various distance ranges. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for problematic interpolation while maintaining resolution quality.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, when restoration processing of a taken image by the use of a restoration filter corresponding to a subject distance is performed, by storing only a corresponding restoration filter in a subject distance range between the estimation variation close range and the infinity such that a restoration filter in a range on the nearer side than the estimation variation close range is not provided from the beginning, it is thereby possible to reduce the number of restoration filters held beforehand.