{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854149","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854149","title":"Image processing apparatus capable of obtaining an image focused on a plurality of subjects at different distances and control method thereof","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-05-21T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":12,"abstract":"An image capture apparatus derives a frequency distribution of subject distances from captured images, selects a plurality of subject distances based on peaks in the frequency of appearance, and acquires a plurality of captured images whose focus distances are the plurality of selected subject distances, enabling an image focused on a plurality of subjects at different distances to be efficiently obtained."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Processing Apparatus Capable of Obtaining an Image Focused on a Plurality of Subjects at Different Distances and Control Method Thereof patent introduces an innovative approach to image capture, enabling the efficient creation of images with multiple subjects in sharp focus, regardless of their distance from the camera. This technology addresses the fundamental problem of limited depth of field in traditional imaging systems, where only objects within a specific range are in focus, while others appear blurry.\n\nThe core innovation lies in the system's ability to analyze captured images to derive a frequency distribution of subject distances. By identifying peaks in this distribution, the system intelligently selects the most relevant focal points within the scene. It then captures multiple images, each focused on one of these selected distances. These images can be subsequently combined or processed to generate a final image that maintains focus across all important subjects.\n\nThe technical approach involves sophisticated image processing algorithms for analyzing spatial frequency content, estimating subject distances, and performing image fusion. The system may utilize techniques such as depth mapping, stereo vision, or structured light to enhance the accuracy of distance estimation. The image fusion process combines the focused regions from multiple images to create a final image with extended depth of field.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to improve the quality and utility of captured images across a wide range of applications. In the consumer electronics market, it can enhance the capabilities of smartphones, cameras, and other imaging devices. In the industrial sector, it can be used in machine vision systems for quality control and inspection. The market opportunity is significant, with potential applications in various industries, including consumer electronics, industrial automation, surveillance, and autonomous vehicles. This approach offers improved image quality and reduced processing time compared to traditional methods.","layman_explanation":"The Image Processing Apparatus Capable of Obtaining an Image Focused on a Plurality of Subjects at Different Distances and Control Method Thereof patent addresses a common problem in photography and imaging: the difficulty of capturing images where multiple subjects at varying distances are all in sharp focus. Traditional cameras have a limited depth of field, meaning that only objects within a specific range of distances will appear clear, while others will be blurry. This can be frustrating when trying to photograph a group of people, a landscape with both foreground and background elements, or any scene with objects at different depths.\n\nThis innovation solves this problem by intelligently analyzing the scene and capturing multiple images, each focused on a different set of subjects. The system first determines the distances of the various subjects in the scene, using techniques such as analyzing the sharpness and contrast of different regions. It then selects a set of focal points, corresponding to the distances of the most important subjects. The camera then captures multiple images, each focused on one of these focal points. Finally, the system combines these images into a single image where all the important subjects are in sharp focus.\n\nThis technology matters because it improves the quality and utility of captured images in a wide range of applications. In consumer photography, it allows users to take better pictures of groups, landscapes, and other complex scenes. In industrial applications, it enables more accurate and reliable machine vision systems. The market impact is significant, as it addresses a fundamental limitation of traditional imaging systems. The competitive advantages include improved image quality, reduced processing time, and enhanced user experience.\n\nThe future applications of this technology are vast. It could be integrated into smartphones, cameras, and other imaging devices. It could also be used in autonomous vehicles, surveillance systems, and medical imaging equipment. The market adoption timeline will depend on the cost and complexity of implementation, but the potential benefits are clear, making this a promising area for investment.","technical_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus Capable of Obtaining an Image Focused on a Plurality of Subjects at Different Distances and Control Method Thereof patent presents a system that leverages frequency distribution analysis to achieve multi-focal image clarity. The technical architecture comprises several key modules: an image acquisition unit, a frequency distribution analysis module, a focus control mechanism, and an image fusion module.\n\nThe image acquisition unit captures one or more initial images of the scene. The frequency distribution analysis module then processes these images to estimate the distances of various subjects within the scene. This involves analyzing the spatial frequency content of the images, identifying regions with high contrast and sharp edges, and mapping these regions to corresponding distances. The patent describes several techniques for estimating subject distances, including depth maps, stereo vision, and structured light.\n\nThe focus control mechanism adjusts the focus of the imaging system based on the output of the frequency distribution analysis module. The system captures multiple images, each focused on a different subject distance. These images are then processed by the image fusion module, which combines the focused regions from each image to create a final image with extended depth of field. The image fusion process may involve techniques such as focus stacking, multi-resolution blending, or wavelet-based fusion.\n\nThe implementation of this technology requires careful consideration of several factors, including the choice of imaging sensors, the design of the frequency distribution analysis algorithm, and the optimization of the image processing pipeline. The performance characteristics of the system depend on the accuracy of the subject distance estimation, the efficiency of the image fusion process, and the computational resources available. Code-level implications involve the implementation of efficient algorithms for image processing, frequency analysis, and focus control. The system can be integrated into existing imaging systems using standard APIs and communication protocols.","business_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus Capable of Obtaining an Image Focused on a Plurality of Subjects at Different Distances and Control Method Thereof patent offers a significant business opportunity in the image processing and capture market. The market opportunity size is substantial, encompassing various industries such as consumer electronics, industrial automation, surveillance, and autonomous vehicles. The competitive advantages of this technology include improved image quality, reduced processing time, and enhanced user experience.\n\nThe revenue potential of this technology can be realized through several business models, including licensing, product integration, and service offerings. Licensing the technology to manufacturers of smartphones, cameras, and other imaging devices can generate significant royalty revenue. Integrating the technology into proprietary products, such as surveillance systems or autonomous vehicles, can create a competitive advantage and drive sales. Offering image processing services based on this technology can generate recurring revenue.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology involves targeting markets where image quality and depth of field are critical. This includes applications such as professional photography, industrial inspection, and medical imaging. The ROI projections for this technology are highly favorable, considering the potential revenue streams and the cost savings associated with reduced processing time and improved image quality. The business value proposition is clear: this technology enhances the capabilities of imaging systems, enabling new applications and improving existing ones.","faqs":null,"topics":["image processing","multi-focus imaging","depth of field","image capture","frequency distribution"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Multi-Focus Image Capture - Image Processing Apparatus Capable of Obtaining an Image Focused on a Plurality of Subjects at Different Distances and Control Method Thereof","description":"Discover how the Image Processing Apparatus Capable of Obtaining an Image Focused on a Plurality of Subjects at Different Distances and Control Method Thereof patent captures images with multiple subjects in focus. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["image processing","multi-focus imaging","depth of field","image capture","frequency distribution","patent","patent US-9854149"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854149","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854149","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image processing apparatus capable of obtaining an image focused on a plurality of subjects at different distances and control method thereof\" (US-9854149). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854149","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854149","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854149","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T17:21:41.601Z"}