Motion Blur Estimation for Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for operators to visually confirm motion blur in images, especially in small regions like a person's limbs, and when different shutter speeds are set for preparatory and main image capturing, leading to potential blurred images during main capturing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that acquire a first captured image, calculate motion information, set a second image capturing parameter, estimate motion blur in a second captured image, and issue a notification of motion blur, allowing operators to adjust settings before main image capturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators visually confirm images during preparatory image capturing, then they can check composition and settings, but they cannot reliably detect motion blur especially in small regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motion blur estimation unit that acts as an intermediary between the captured image data and the operator's perception. This unit calculates motion blur amounts based on motion information and shutter speed, then presents this information to the operator through the display unit, bridging the gap between actual motion blur (which is hard to see) and operator awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an automated computational method. Instead of relying on the operator's visual system to detect motion blur, the system uses a processor to automatically estimate motion blur amounts by analyzing motion information and capturing parameters, substituting human visual detection with computational analysis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different shutter speeds are set for preparatory and main image capturing, then each can be optimized for its purpose, but motion blur characteristics differ making it hard to predict main capturing results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs motion blur estimation during the preparatory image capturing phase, before the actual main image capturing occurs. By calculating the estimated motion blur amount based on the motion information obtained during preparation and the planned shutter speed for main capturing, the system allows operators to anticipate motion blur issues before they affect the final captured image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the motion blur estimation result is displayed to the operator during preparatory capturing. This feedback loop allows operators to adjust their capturing strategy (such as changing shutter speed or stabilizing the camera) based on the predicted motion blur, thereby improving the reliability of the final image quality despite using different parameters for preparatory and main capturing.
3Productivity
If operators rely on visual confirmation of preparatory captured images, then they can proceed with main image capturing, but the captured images may still be blurred due to shutter speed differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs motion blur estimation and displays the result during the preparatory phase, before the operator commits to main image capturing. This preliminary assessment allows operators to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the current settings or adjust parameters, preventing wasted capturing attempts and improving overall workflow efficiency while ensuring image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a first captured image obtained by first image capturing with a first image capturing parameter and motion information about an object in the first captured image, a setting unit configured to set a second image capturing parameter, an estimation unit configured to estimate motion blur of an object in a second captured image which is obtained in a case where second image capturing is performed with the second image capturing parameter, based on the motion information and the second image capturing parameter, and a notification unit configured to issue a notification of the motion blur.