Machine Learning Engine for Digital Camera Image Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital cameras require significant user interaction and investment in designing image processing algorithms to produce high-quality images, falling short of 'point and shoot' functionality despite advancements in digital camera technology.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a machine learning engine within the digital camera to select and apply rendering algorithms and arguments based on raw image statistics, reducing the need for manual designer input and enabling superior image optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple rendering algorithms are manually designed and tuned by expert designers, then image quality can be optimized for specific issues, but the device complexity and development time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidalgorithm design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of algorithm design and tuning with an automated machine learning system. The machine learning engine automatically selects and adjusts rendering algorithms based on image statistics, eliminating the need for human experts to manually create and tune each algorithm for every possible imaging scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the parameters of rendering algorithms based on analyzed image statistics. Instead of using fixed manually-tuned algorithms, the system adjusts algorithm parameters in real-time based on the specific characteristics of each image, allowing optimal performance across diverse imaging conditions without requiring separate manual optimization for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If numerous rendering algorithms are implemented to address varied image processing issues, then image quality improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiduser interaction requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the machine learning engine automatically analyze image statistics and select appropriate rendering algorithms without user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the best processing parameters based on the captured image characteristics, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or interact with multiple algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the machine learning engine continuously analyzes image statistics and uses this feedback to dynamically select and adjust rendering algorithms. This closed-loop feedback system ensures optimal image quality is automatically achieved based on the actual image content, without requiring user input or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If a team of expert algorithm designers is employed, then sophisticated rendering algorithms can be created, but the loss of time in development increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealgorithm sophisticationVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the time-consuming manual development process with an automated machine learning system that rapidly generates and optimizes rendering algorithms. Instead of requiring teams of experts to spend months designing and tuning algorithms, the machine learning engine automatically produces sophisticated rendering solutions much faster by processing and learning from extensive training data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-training the machine learning engine on extensive datasets of images and their optimal renderings. This preliminary training enables the system to quickly generate sophisticated rendering algorithms for new images without requiring time-consuming development from scratch, as the foundational knowledge is already embedded in the trained model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9741098B2System and method for optimizing image quality in a digital camera
Publication Date: 2017.08.22 NVIDIA CORP
  • US9741098B2 patent drawing
  • US9741098B2 patent drawing
  • US9741098B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A digital camera includes an image optimization engine configured to generate an optimized image based on a raw image captured by the digital camera. The image optimization engine implements one or more machine learning engines in order to select rendering algorithms and rendering algorithm arguments that may then be used to render the raw image.