Image Processing for Soft Focus at Small Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging optical systems struggle to maintain a desired image effect, such as a soft focus effect, when using a small aperture due to reduced aberration influence.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that utilizes a deteriorating filter based on the point spread function (PSF) of the imaging optical system to enhance the image effect even at small apertures by performing convolution processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small aperture (large F-number) is used in the imaging optical system, then the depth of field increases and image sharpness improves, but the spherical aberration influence decreases and the soft focus effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the aberration effect through image processing. Instead of relying on physical optical aberration from the lens, the system synthesizes an artificial point spread function that mimics the desired soft focus effect and applies it to the captured image, thereby decoupling the soft focus effect from the physical aperture settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system that generates aberration physically with a computational system that generates aberration virtually. The image processing apparatus substitutes the optical aberration mechanism with a digital filtering mechanism using a synthesized point spread function, allowing the soft focus effect to be achieved through software rather than hardware
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a small aperture (large F-number) is used in the imaging optical system, then diffraction effects increase and image quality deteriorates, but the spherical aberration influence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful diffraction effect into a beneficial soft focus effect. By synthesizing a point spread function that incorporates controlled deterioration characteristics, the system transforms the natural diffraction pattern (which degrades image quality) into a deliberate artistic effect that creates the desired soft focus appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the point spread function based on the F-number to optimize the soft focus effect. The synthesis process adjusts the deterioration amount and spatial distribution parameters of the point spread function according to the aperture settings, allowing the system to maintain optimal soft focus characteristics across different F-numbers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus maintains the desired image effect by adjusting the deterioration amount of the image based on the F-number, ensuring the image quality is consistent across varying aperture settings.
Implementation Method 1
perform convolution processing
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes at least one memory configured to store instructions, and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to acquire a captured image obtained using an optical system, and information on an imaging condition corresponding to the captured image, and perform deteriorating processing for the captured image based on an F-number of the optical system, the F-number being included in the information on the imaging condition. A first deterioration amount in the deteriorating processing in a case where the F-number is a first F-number is smaller than a second deterioration amount in the deteriorating processing in a case where the F-number is a second F-number larger than the first F-number.