Unwanted Object Removal via Motion Vector Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

When photographing with a camera device, unwanted moving objects often interfere with the desired image, requiring users to either re-photograph or manually remove them using image processing software, which can be cumbersome and imperfect.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that analyze motion vectors of unwanted objects in preview frames, set a photographing interval to capture continuous frames, and automatically remove the unwanted objects, restoring the background image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user manually removes unwanted objects using image processing software, then the unwanted object can be removed from the photographed image, but the process is burdensome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removing unwanted objectVSAvoidtime for manual editing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects unwanted objects in the photographed image and performs removal operations without requiring manual user intervention. The control unit identifies objects based on motion vectors and autonomously executes the removal process, allowing the image processing system to serve itself rather than requiring user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical editing operations with automated computational image processing. Instead of users manually selecting and removing objects, the system uses algorithm-based object detection and removal techniques to automatically process the image.

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

2Reliability

If a user re-photographs the subject to avoid unwanted objects, then a cleaner image can be obtained, but the process is burdensome and environmental conditions may change unfavorably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of desired imageVSAvoidtime for re-photography
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes unwanted objects from the photographed image while preserving the desired subject and background. By selectively removing only the unwanted elements rather than requiring a complete re-photography, the system maintains the original shooting conditions and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs object removal as a preliminary or alternative action to re-photography. Instead of requiring users to retake photos when unwanted objects appear, the removal function is applied to the existing image, preventing the need for re-shooting under potentially different environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual removal of unwanted objects is performed, then the object can be removed, but the background image may not be perfectly restored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of background restorationVSAvoidcomplexity of image processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary process that analyzes motion vectors and object characteristics to intelligently determine how to restore the background after object removal. This intermediary analysis layer enables more accurate background restoration compared to simple manual removal techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion vector analysis and object detection results to guide the background restoration process. By continuously analyzing the relationship between the unwanted object and the surrounding background, the system can more accurately reconstruct the background area where the object was removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9560271B2Removing unwanted objects from photographed image
Publication Date: 2017.01.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9560271B2 patent drawing
  • US9560271B2 patent drawing
  • US9560271B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device and method for processing an image in a device having a camera is disclosed. A motion vector of an unwanted object in preview frames of the desired image is identified. A photographing interval in accordance with the motion vector may be set. Continuous frames of the desired image may be photographed in accordance with the photographing interval. The unwanted object is removed from the desired image.