Polarization Image Processing Apparatus Data Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for obtaining polarization information from objects require capturing multiple images in different polarization states, leading to increased image data and decreased processing speed.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus and imaging system that select a reference image and generate difference data between this image and others, allowing for the recording of polarization information with reduced data capacity by storing the reference image and difference data together.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple images are captured in different polarization states to obtain polarization information, then the completeness and accuracy of polarization information is improved, but the image data amount increases and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization information accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential polarization information from multiple images by calculating difference data between a reference image and other images. Instead of processing all captured images, the system extracts the minimal necessary data (difference values) that contain the polarization information, thereby reducing processing load while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the representation of image data from storing complete image data to storing difference data parameters. By changing the data representation from full images to differential values relative to a reference image, the system reduces data volume and processing requirements while preserving the essential polarization information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If multiple images are captured in different polarization states to obtain polarization information, then the completeness of polarization information is improved, but the data storage requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization information completenessVSAvoiddata amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential polarization information from multiple images by calculating difference data between a reference image and other images. Instead of processing all captured images, the system extracts the minimal necessary data (difference values) that contain the polarization information, thereby reducing processing load while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the representation of image data from storing complete image data to storing difference data parameters. By changing the data representation from full images to differential values relative to a reference image, the system reduces data volume and processing requirements while preserving the essential polarization information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11245844B2Processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, and imaging system

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 CANON KK

AI summary

A processing apparatus configured to obtain polarization information using a plurality of images each of which is obtained in a different polarization state of light from an object includes a processor configured to select one reference image from the plurality of images and to generate difference data relating to a difference between the reference image and an image other than the reference image, and a recorder configured to record the reference image and the difference data.