18485990. IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, IMAGING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, IMAGING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

YOSHIAKI Ida of Tokyo (JP)

NORIHITO Hiasa of Tochigi (JP)

YUICHI Kusumi of Tochigi (JP)

MASAKAZU Kobayashi of Saitama (JP)

IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, IMAGING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18485990 titled 'IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, IMAGING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Simplified Explanation

The image processing method described in the abstract involves acquiring a captured image using an optical system, determining correction strength for a sharpening process in a specific area of the image, and applying the sharpening process based on optical characteristics and the correction strength.

• Acquiring a captured image using an optical system
• Determining correction strength for a sharpening process in a specific area of the image
• Applying the sharpening process based on optical characteristics and correction strength

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various fields such as photography, medical imaging, satellite imaging, and surveillance systems where image processing is crucial for enhancing image quality.

Problems Solved

1. Correcting defocused images to improve image sharpness and clarity. 2. Enhancing specific areas of an image without affecting the overall quality.

Benefits

1. Improved image quality and sharpness. 2. Enhanced ability to focus on specific areas of interest in an image. 3. Customizable correction strength for different levels of defocus.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optical systems manufacturers, camera companies, medical imaging device manufacturers, and surveillance system developers could benefit from implementing this image processing method in their products.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include existing image processing methods for sharpening and enhancing specific areas of images, as well as technologies related to optical system characteristics and correction techniques.

How does this method compare to existing image processing techniques for sharpening specific areas of an image?

This method specifically focuses on applying a sharpening process based on optical characteristics and correction strength. It would be interesting to compare its effectiveness and efficiency with other methods currently available in the market.

What are the potential limitations or challenges in implementing this image processing method in real-world applications?

It would be important to consider factors such as computational resources, processing time, and compatibility with different types of optical systems when implementing this method in practical scenarios.

Original Abstract Submitted

An image processing method includes acquiring a captured image obtained by image capturing using an optical system, acquiring correction strength for a sharpening process applied to a partial area in the captured image, and applying the sharpening process to the partial area based on a first optical characteristic and the correction strength, wherein the correction strength is acquired based on a second optical characteristic, wherein the first optical characteristic is an optical characteristic of the optical system in a case where the optical system is defocused by a first defocus amount, wherein the second optical characteristic is an optical characteristic of the optical system in a case where the optical system is defocused by a second defocus amount, and wherein the second defocus amount is smaller than the first defocus amount.