Refocused Image In-Focus Region Emphasis on Low-Resolution Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to determine the in-focus region in refocused images displayed on low-resolution screens, such as those on camera displays, as existing techniques do not effectively highlight the region in focus.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires image data, allows user input for specifying the in-focus position, generates a display image emphasizing the in-focus region, and outputs the refocused image based on user instructions, using a combination of image acquisition, processing, and display control units to highlight the in-focus area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If refocused image is displayed on low-resolution screen, then display device portability and compactness are improved, but user ability to determine in-focus region deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color or luminance changes to visually distinguish the in-focus region from out-of-focus regions in the displayed image. By modifying the visual properties (color or brightness) of specific regions, the system enables users to easily identify which areas are in focus even on low-resolution displays, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact display size and in-focus region detectability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual qualities to different regions of the displayed image. Specifically, the in-focus region is given enhanced visual properties (such as color enhancement or luminance adjustment) while other regions maintain their original appearance. This local differentiation allows users to immediately identify the in-focus area without requiring high overall display resolution
2Device complexity
If refocused image is displayed without emphasis, then processing simplicity is improved, but user understanding of in-focus position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances the visual information of the in-focus region by applying color or luminance modifications. This allows the in-focus position information to be effectively communicated to users without requiring complex processing, as the enhancement can be applied through relatively simple image processing operations that adjust color or brightness values of specific regions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing to generate a display image that pre-emphasizes the in-focus region before actual refocusing operations. By preparing the display image with enhanced in-focus region visualization in advance, the system ensures that users can understand the in-focus position immediately when viewing the display, without losing critical focus information
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image processing apparatus for displaying a region in focus in a refocused image to be output in such a manner that a user can easily recognize this region compared to displaying the refocused image without any arrangement made thereto. The image processing apparatus includes a first generation unit configured to generate an image in which an image region corresponding to an in-focus position in the refocused image is emphasized as a display image, an input unit configured to input a user instruction, which is an image output instruction, input based on a display of the display image, and an output unit configured to output the refocused image according to the user instruction.