Virtual Angle of View Generation via Weighted Image Combination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital zoom techniques deteriorate perceived resolution as zoom magnification increases, and switching between cameras of different angles of view results in abrupt changes in resolution.
Innovation Solution
An image-processing apparatus that generates weighted combinations of image data from multiple cameras with different angles of view to produce virtual-angle-of-view image data, adjusting weights based on the desired zoom level to maintain smooth resolution changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If digital zoom is performed by enlarging a desired area of a captured image, then zoom magnification can be increased, but the perceived resolution gradually deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines image data from multiple cameras with different angles of view through weighted combination. The image processing unit merges the wide-angle camera image and narrow-angle camera image to generate a synthesized image that provides zoom magnification while maintaining perceived resolution, resolving the contradiction between increasing zoom and maintaining resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite image by combining data from two different camera systems (wide-angle and narrow-angle cameras) with different optical characteristics. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the strengths of both cameras - the wide-angle camera provides broader coverage while the narrow-angle camera provides higher effective resolution for zoomed views.
2Speed
If the camera in use is switched between wide angle of view and narrow angle of view, then zoom magnification can be changed, but the perceived resolution greatly changes (abrupt transition)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the weighting coefficients applied to images from different cameras based on the desired zoom magnification. Instead of fixed camera selection, the system continuously varies the contribution of each camera's image data, creating a smooth transition in perceived resolution as zoom magnification changes. The weighting coefficient varies continuously from 0 to 1 based on the zoom level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of weighting coefficient to control the contribution of each camera's image data. By varying this parameter continuously based on the desired zoom magnification, the system achieves smooth transitions in perceived resolution rather than abrupt changes, resolving the stability issue while maintaining zoom functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-processing apparatus obtains first image data having a first angle of view and second image data having a second angle of view smaller than the first angle of view. The image-processing apparatus then generates third image data by performing weighted combination of the first image data and the second image data, the third image data having a third angle of view determined according to a user command and being smaller than the first angle of view but larger than the second angle of view. Weights used in this weighted combination are such that the closer the third angle of view is to the second angle of view, the larger is the weight on the second image data relative to the weight on the first image data.