Object Comparison via Specular Reflection Luminance Statistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for comparing object fingerprints are inconvenient due to the need for high-quality imaging systems and specific lighting conditions, which are not always available, especially when comparing products in various locations or by users with varying skills, leading to reduced comparison accuracy and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A comparison system that captures images under different lighting conditions by utilizing the statistical values of luminance from pixels generating specular reflection, allowing for identicalness determination between registered and comparison images without requiring specialized equipment or high-quality cameras, by extracting a two-dimensional distribution of normal vectors and calculating statistical values such as standard deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated imaging system and high-quality camera with long exposure are used for capturing registered images, then comparison accuracy is improved, but convenience of comparison is degraded because such equipment is not available at various user locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized imaging equipment with ordinary, widely-available devices such as smartphone cameras. This allows comparison operations to be performed at any user location without requiring dedicated imaging systems, thereby maintaining convenience while achieving sufficient comparison accuracy through statistical processing of luminance data from specular reflection pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from requiring high-quality imaging parameters (long exposure, dedicated camera) to using statistical parameters (standard deviation of luminance values from specular reflection pixels). This parameter transformation allows ordinary cameras to achieve comparable results to specialized equipment by focusing on specific statistical characteristics of the reflected light
2Measurement precision
If multiple images taken from different angles are required for comparison, then identification accuracy is improved, but convenience of comparison is degraded due to complex photographing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for comparison - the statistical properties of luminance values from pixels generating specular reflection - from the complex multi-angle imaging process. This extraction allows accurate comparison to be performed from a single image without requiring multiple images from different angles, significantly simplifying the operation while maintaining identification accuracy
3Measurement precision
If specialized equipment and specific photographing conditions are required for capturing comparison images, then comparison accuracy is improved, but convenience of comparison is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the comparison system universal by designing it to work with ordinary image capturing devices that everyone possesses, such as smartphone cameras. The method uses statistical analysis of specular reflection pixels that can be obtained from standard photos taken under various lighting conditions, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and making the system adaptable to diverse user environments while maintaining comparison accuracy
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
Enables convenient and accurate comparison of object fingerprints across different lighting conditions using typical image capturing devices like smartphones, improving convenience and reducing the need for specialized equipment, while maintaining high comparison accuracy even with materials that generate interreflection.
Implementation Method 1
calculation is performed to obtain a degree of change in a spatial direction for a feature amount of reflection light therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A comparison system includes a portable terminal including image capturing unit configured to capture a comparison image of a predetermined comparison region of a comparison object; and a server including comparison unit configured to compare the comparison object with a registered object on the basis of a statistical value for the luminance value of pixels in a registered image of the registered object, the pixels of the registered image existing at pixel positions corresponding to pixel positions estimated to be generating specular reflection in the comparison image captured by the portable terminal.