Virtual Light Source Image Generation Using Shape and Reflection Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for setting light source conditions in image processing are labor-intensive and unrealistic for editors unfamiliar with three-dimensional CG image editing, as they require repeated adjustments to achieve a desired object image.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires shape and reflection characteristic information of an object, and automatically sets a virtual light source condition based on image capturing mode and type, using photometric stereo and other techniques to produce a virtual light source image with reduced workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an editor manually adjusts light source conditions repeatedly to achieve a desired object image, then the quality of the virtual light source image can be improved, but the workload and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of shape information and reflection characteristics before light source setting. By pre-acquiring object shape data and surface reflection properties, the system prepares all necessary physical information in advance, enabling automatic light source condition determination without requiring repeated manual adjustments during the editing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining optimal light source conditions based on acquired object shape information and reflection characteristics. The computer automatically calculates and sets light source parameters without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the light source adjustment process rather than requiring editor expertise and manual tweaking.
2Ease of operation
If special work is performed to set reflection regions on three-dimensional models, then the workload in setting light source condition is reduced, but additional complex operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the reflection region setting operation from the light source condition setting process. By separately acquiring reflection characteristics through photometric stereo or BRDF measurement before light source configuration, the system removes the need for editors to manually define reflection regions when setting light sources, simplifying the light source setting operation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflection region information is acquired in advance through separate photometric stereo or BRDF measurement processes. By performing this extraction and preparation work beforehand, the system eliminates the need for complex reflection region setting during light source configuration, reducing operational complexity while preserving the benefits of region-specific lighting control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional manual methods are used for light source condition setting, then flexibility in adjusting light source parameters is maintained, but the process becomes unrealistic for editors unfamiliar with three-dimensional CG image editing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically determining light source conditions based on object shape information and reflection characteristics. This automation makes the process accessible to editors regardless of their three-dimensional CG expertise, as the computer handles the complex calculations and parameter optimization without requiring specialized knowledge or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts light source parameters based on acquired physical information about the object. By changing light source parameters automatically according to object geometry and reflection properties, the system maintains adaptability to different objects and lighting scenarios while eliminating the need for manual parameter tuning, making it accessible to editors of all skill levels.
Data Source
AI summary
The image processing apparatus produces a virtual light source image that is an image of an object lighted by a virtual light source. The apparatus includes a shape acquirer configured to acquire shape information relating to a shape of the object, a light source condition setter configured to set a first virtual light source condition as a condition relating to a virtual light source, depending on an image capturing mode indicating a type of a captured image acquired by image capturing of the object, on image type information indicating a selected one of multiple types of the virtual light source images or on an image capturing condition selected in the image capturing. The apparatus further includes an image producer configured to produce the virtual light source image by using the first virtual light source condition and the shape information.