Saturation Detection in Image Conversion for Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When converting high bit depth images to lower bit depth for display, users cannot easily identify saturation issues in the original high bit depth images, as this information is lost during the conversion process, particularly when displaying 8-bit images which may appear saturated due to rounding errors or non-linear processing.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that includes a saturation detection unit to identify saturated pixels in high bit depth images, converting and displaying lower bit depth images while overlaying information about saturated areas, such as using color indicators to highlight these regions, allowing users to recognize and adjust for overexposure or underexposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the raw image is converted to JPEG image with lower bit depth, then the image can be displayed on standard display devices, but the saturation information in the original high bit depth image is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting saturation in the high bit depth raw image before converting it to lower bit depth JPEG format. The saturation detection is performed on the original image data, and the results are stored as metadata that can be retrieved during display, thus preserving saturation information before the irreversible conversion process occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a saturation map that replicates the saturation information from the high bit depth image. This saturation map is then overlaid or used alongside the lower bit depth display image, allowing the display system to show saturation indicators without requiring the original high bit depth data to be present during display.
2Device complexity
If the imaging apparatus only notifies on whether the 8-bit displayed image is saturated, then the display process is simple, but the user cannot confirm whether the original 12-bit image is saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs saturation detection on the high bit depth raw image before JPEG conversion, capturing accurate saturation information from the original data. This preliminary detection ensures that the saturation notification reflects the true saturation state of the captured image, not artifacts introduced by the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary saturation detection process that operates on the high bit depth raw data and produces saturation information that mediates between the original image quality and the displayed image. This intermediary saturation map serves as a bridge, providing accurate saturation feedback to the user without requiring the display system to handle high bit depth data.
3Ease of operation
If the 8-bit image is displayed after conversion from 12-bit image, then the image can be viewed on standard displays, but saturation artifacts may appear that do not reflect the original image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects saturation in the 12-bit raw image before conversion to 8-bit JPEG format, ensuring that the saturation indication reflects the true quality of the captured image. By performing this detection preliminarily, the system avoids the reliability issue of detecting saturation after conversion, where rounding errors and non-linear processing could create false saturation artifacts.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire an input image, a conversion unit configured to convert the acquired input image to an output image, a detection unit configured to detect in the input image a pixel having a predetermined luminance, a calculation unit configured to calculate a position of an output image corresponding to a position of the detected pixel, and a display unit configured to display the output image on a screen.