Virtual Light Source Shadow Correction for Multiple Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing techniques struggle to naturally correct shadows for multiple objects in an image using virtual light sources, often resulting in unnatural lighting or difficulty in achieving a desired lighting effect.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that allows users to designate objects for virtual light correction, either uniformly from the same direction or differently, based on user operation, with parameters set accordingly to ensure effective shadow correction across multiple objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a virtual light source is determined according to shadows for each object, then shadow correction for each object is achieved, but the lighting effect becomes unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shadow correction process into two independent stages: first determining virtual light sources individually for each object based on their shadows, then merging these light sources into a unified lighting effect. This allows each object to receive appropriate shadow correction while maintaining a consistent, natural lighting appearance across all objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by determining virtual light sources specifically for each object based on its shadow characteristics, rather than using a single global light source. Each object receives customized lighting parameters tailored to its specific shadow pattern, enabling precise shadow correction while maintaining overall natural appearance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a virtual light source is determined based on shadows of a specific object, then natural lighting effect is achieved, but it is difficult to appropriately correct each object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the correction process into object-specific virtual light source determination followed by unified merging. Each object's shadow characteristics are used to determine its own virtual light source parameters, ensuring accurate shadow correction for each object while the merged result provides a natural overall lighting effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal approach by determining virtual light sources individually for each object and then combining them into a single unified lighting effect that applies to all objects simultaneously. This multi-functional approach enables both precise per-object correction and natural overall appearance.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple objects are corrected with individual virtual light sources, then each object receives appropriate lighting, but the overall lighting effect becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple object-specific virtual light sources into a single unified lighting effect. By combining the individually determined light sources and their parameters into one consolidated result, the system achieves per-object correction accuracy while simplifying the overall lighting effect to a manageable and controllable single virtual light source representation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises a processing unit configured to provide an image containing a first object and a second object, with a lighting effect from a virtual light source, a setting unit configured to set a parameter of the virtual light source; and a designating unit configured to designate the first object and/or the second object, based on a user's operation, wherein, in a case in which the designating unit has designated at least one of the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object are provided with an effect of virtual light from a same direction, and in a case in which the designating means has not designated any object, the first object and the second object are provided with an effect of virtual light from different directions.