Image-Capturing Apparatus Reference Image Defect Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-capturing apparatuses, such as digital cameras, face defects due to foreign matter adhering to optical components, leading to image defects that are difficult to correct efficiently, especially when interchangeable lenses are used, as existing correction methods require time-consuming selection and specification of image data for defect correction.
Innovation Solution
An image-capturing apparatus that captures both normal and reference images, with distinct file formats and metadata, allowing for automatic identification and correction of image defects by using a reference image to eliminate foreign matter effects from normal images, thereby reducing the time and effort required for defect correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens is repeatedly exchanged without removing foreign matter, then more foreign matter enters the image-capturing apparatus and the image defect becomes worse, but the process of detecting image defect position information becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and records image defect position information in advance by capturing a reference image (such as a white balance image) when the lens is first mounted, before foreign matter accumulation worsens. This preliminary detection eliminates the need for repeated manual detection during subsequent lens exchanges, maintaining image quality while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The image-capturing apparatus automatically performs image defect detection and correction without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously identifies defect positions by comparing reference images with captured images and applies corrections, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining image quality despite repeated lens exchanges.
2Measurement precision
If the image used to detect image defect position information and the correction target image are individually selected and specified, then the detection accuracy is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically identifies and selects the appropriate reference image and correction target image without requiring manual user selection. The system self-manages the image selection process by using file metadata and timestamps to automatically pair reference images with corresponding correction targets, maintaining detection accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses file information and metadata as feedback to automatically determine which images should be paired for defect detection and correction. By analyzing file timestamps, names, and other metadata, the control unit intelligently matches reference images with correction targets, ensuring accurate defect position detection without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If foreign matter is not removed from the image-capturing apparatus, then the apparatus can continue operating without interruption, but image defects accumulate and worsen over time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring physical removal of foreign matter to maintain image quality, the system converts the harmful effect of foreign matter into a detectable pattern. By capturing reference images that include foreign matter shadows and using these to correct subsequent images, the system maintains both operational continuity and image quality, turning the persistent presence of foreign matter from a problem into a correctable characteristic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary defect detection by capturing reference images that document the foreign matter patterns present in the optical path. These reference images serve as a baseline for correcting future images, allowing the system to maintain image quality without interrupting operations to remove foreign matter physically.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-capturing apparatus, includes: an image-capturing unit that captures an image of a subject through an optical system; and a control unit that outputs images captured at the image-capturing unit as image data files, and: the control unit outputs the image data files in a format that allows an image data file containing a normal image to be distinguished from an image data file containing a reference image to be used to correct an image defect in the normal image. An image processing apparatus, includes: an input unit to which an image data file output from the image-capturing apparatus is input; an identifying unit that identifies the image data file as a file containing the reference image or a file containing the normal image; and a correction unit that corrects an image defect in the image identified as the normal image based upon the image identified as the reference image.