PSF Pattern Segmentation for Out-of-Focus Image Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies fail to effectively estimate and correct for point spread function (PSF) in out-of-focus images, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that generates a PSF pattern with multiple PSFs located in lines, estimates PSFs from step responses of these patterns relative to image edges, and uses the estimated PSFs for image restoration through de-convolution and digital focus correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image processing methods are used, then the processing is simple and fast, but the image quality remains poor due to ineffective PSF estimation and correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PSF pattern into multiple discrete lines (first line, second line, third line, fourth line) with specific PSF positions (first position, second position, third position, fourth position). This segmentation allows independent step response calculation for each line, improving PSF estimation accuracy while maintaining manageable processing complexity through structured organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining a PSF pattern with multiple lines and positions before actual image processing. The step response calculation unit pre-calculates responses for each line configuration, and the PSF estimation unit pre-establishes the relationship between step responses and PSF values, enabling accurate correction without real-time complexity
2Reliability
If no PSF estimation is performed, then the processing is fast and simple, but the out-of-focus images cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary PSF pattern with multiple lines and positions as a mediator between the input image and the correction process. The step response calculation unit acts as an intermediary that translates image edge information into quantitative step responses, which then mediate the estimation of PSF values. This intermediary structure ensures reliable correction while optimizing processing time through efficient intermediate representation
3Measurement precision
If multiple PSFs are estimated using multiple lines, then the estimation accuracy is improved, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PSF estimation task into segmented line-based calculations. Each line (first line with first and second positions, second line with third and fourth positions, etc.) is processed independently to calculate its step response. This segmentation transforms a complex multi-dimensional estimation problem into multiple simpler one-dimensional calculations, improving precision while reducing overall calculation difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by varying the PSF positions across different lines (first position, second position, third position, fourth position) and calculating step responses for each configuration. By systematically changing the position parameter and observing the resulting step responses, the system accurately estimates PSF values while maintaining manageable calculation complexity through parameterized analysis
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a point spread function (PSF) pattern generation unit for generating a PSF pattern in which a plurality of PSFs are located in a plurality of lines of the PSF pattern; a PSF estimation unit for estimating PSFs of an out-of-focus input image from step responses of the plurality of lines of the PSF pattern with respect to an edge of the out-of-focus input image; and an image restoration unit for restoring the out-of-focus input image to a focused restored image using the estimated PSF.