Imaging Apparatus Dynamic Range Expansion for Polarization Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses using polarization filters suffer from insufficient contrast in differential polarization degree images due to suboptimal transmittance characteristics, limiting the accuracy of index value images used for object detection and scene analysis.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with an optical filter featuring periodically arranged selective filter regions that transmit specific optical components and non-selective filter regions, accompanied by an image processor that calculates and applies magnification to expand the dynamic range of index values, ensuring high contrast images are produced even with inappropriate index values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional polarization filters with suboptimal transmittance characteristics are used, then the imaging apparatus can be manufactured with existing technology, but the contrast of differential polarization degree images is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmittance parameters of the polarization filters to achieve ideal characteristics. Specifically, it sets the first polarization filter to transmit 100% of vertically polarized light and block 0% of horizontally polarized light, and the second polarization filter to transmit 100% of horizontally polarized light and block 0% of vertically polarized light. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving both manufacturability and superior image contrast.
2Device complexity
If the dynamic range of index values is not expanded, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of object detection and scene analysis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by expanding the dynamic range of index values before object detection and scene analysis. The image processor performs magnification on the differential polarization degree images to enhance the dynamic range, ensuring that subsequent detection and analysis operations benefit from improved contrast and precision without adding excessive processing complexity.
3Productivity
If magnification is not applied to expand the dynamic range, then the image processing time is reduced, but the contrast of index value images is insufficient for accurate analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnification parameter applied to differential polarization degree images. By carefully selecting the magnification factor, the system achieves sufficient image contrast for accurate object detection and scene analysis while minimizing the additional processing time required. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between processing speed and image quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the contrast of index value images, improving the accuracy of object detection and scene analysis by effectively expanding the dynamic range of pixel values within the imaging apparatus, overcoming limitations imposed by filter transmittance characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging apparatus that receives light from an imaging region by a light-receiving element array through an optical filter in which at least equal to or more than one type of a polarization filter part, or a color separation filter part is periodically arranged
Implementation Method 2
receives light from an imaging region by a light-receiving element array through an optical filter
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic expansion operation of an index value image is performed by specifying an index value range before correction (Gmin to Gmax) for one index value image, calculating magnification K for which to be expanded to an ideal index value range (0 to 1023), and correcting an index value before correction G by the magnification K. An effective magnification Kthre to expand a maximum effective index value range (215 to 747) that can be taken by the index value before correction G calculated from transmittance of a filter to the ideal index value range (0 to 1023) is stored, and in a case where the calculated magnification K is smaller than the effective magnification Kthre, the expansion operation is performed by use of the effective magnification Kthre.