{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854187","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854187","title":"Image processing apparatus, filter acquisition apparatus, image processing method, filter acquisition method, program, and recording medium","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2017-02-17T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G06T","G06T","G06T","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","G06T","H04N"],"num_claims":35,"abstract":"There are provided an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program capable of realizing a desired image filtering process specified based on an optical characteristic of an individual optical system with high accuracy using a simple computation process. Further, there are provided a filter acquisition apparatus, a filter acquisition method, program, and a recording medium capable of acquiring a filter which is suitably usable in an image filtering process. A filtering process unit 41 (image processing apparatus 35) applies a filter to processing target data to acquire filter application process data, applies a gain to the filter application process data to acquire gain application process data, in each filtering process. In each filtering process, the gain applied to the filter application process data is acquired based on a target frequency characteristic of the image filtering process."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Filter Acquisition Apparatus, Image Processing Method, Filter Acquisition Method, Program, and Recording Medium patent offers a novel solution to the problem of image distortion caused by the unique optical characteristics of individual systems. The core innovation lies in its ability to acquire and apply filters tailored to these specific characteristics, resulting in improved image quality and accuracy. This is achieved through a simplified computation process that involves applying a filter to processing target data and then applying a gain based on the target frequency characteristic. This approach allows for real-time processing of image data without significant computational overhead. The business value of this technology is significant, as it can be applied to various industries where high-quality image filtering is crucial, including medical imaging, security systems, and consumer electronics. The market opportunity is vast, as the demand for improved image quality continues to grow across these sectors. The patent's claims cover the apparatus, method, program, and recording medium, providing broad protection for the invention. Furthermore, the system's adaptability ensures that it can be integrated into existing workflows with minimal disruption. This technology has the potential to transform the field of image processing by providing a more accurate, efficient, and adaptable solution for image filtering.","layman_explanation":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Filter Acquisition Apparatus, Image Processing Method, Filter Acquisition Method, Program, and Recording Medium patent addresses the common problem of image distortion caused by imperfections in camera lenses and other optical systems. These imperfections can lead to blurry or unclear images, which can be a significant issue in various applications, from medical imaging to security surveillance. Existing solutions often rely on generic filters that attempt to correct for common types of distortion. However, these filters are not always effective because they don't account for the unique characteristics of each individual optical system. The technology described in this patent offers a more precise solution by creating custom filters that are specifically tailored to the optical properties of each system. Instead of using generic filters, this approach analyzes the specific distortions caused by the lens or optical system and creates a filter that cancels out those distortions. This results in a much clearer and more accurate image. This technology matters because it can significantly improve the quality of images in a wide range of applications. In medical imaging, it can lead to more accurate diagnoses. In security surveillance, it can enhance the effectiveness of facial recognition and other security measures. In consumer electronics, it can improve the quality of photos and videos taken with smartphones and other devices. The potential market impact of this technology is significant, as it addresses a widespread need for improved image quality. Future applications of this technology could include integration with artificial intelligence systems to automatically correct for image distortions in real-time. The adoption timeline will likely depend on the cost and complexity of implementing the technology, but the potential benefits are clear.","technical_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Filter Acquisition Apparatus, Image Processing Method, Filter Acquisition Method, Program, and Recording Medium patent introduces a two-stage filtering process designed to mitigate image distortions arising from the optical properties of individual imaging systems. The architecture centers around a 'filtering process unit' that applies a filter to the input image data, followed by a gain adjustment. The innovation lies in how the gain is determined: it's dynamically calculated based on the target frequency characteristics desired for the final image. This contrasts with static filtering approaches that are less adaptable to varying optical imperfections. Implementation-wise, the 'filter acquisition apparatus' plays a crucial role. It analyzes the optical system's response to a set of known inputs to generate a custom filter. The specifics of the algorithm used for filter generation aren't explicitly detailed in the abstract, but presumably, it involves some form of system identification or deconvolution technique. Integration-wise, the system likely requires calibration procedures to accurately characterize the optical system. This could involve using specialized test patterns or relying on machine learning techniques to learn the system's characteristics from a large dataset of images. Performance-wise, the computational efficiency of both the filtering process unit and the filter acquisition apparatus is critical for real-time applications. The patent mentions a 'simplified computation process', suggesting that the algorithms are optimized for speed. Code-level implications include the need for efficient implementations of filtering and gain adjustment operations, potentially leveraging specialized hardware such as GPUs or FPGAs. This technology has the potential to improve image quality in a wide range of applications, from medical imaging to computer vision systems.","business_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Filter Acquisition Apparatus, Image Processing Method, Filter Acquisition Method, Program, and Recording Medium patent addresses a critical need for improved image quality across various industries. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for high-resolution and accurate imaging in sectors such as medical diagnostics, surveillance, and consumer electronics. The competitive advantage lies in the patent's ability to adapt to the unique optical characteristics of individual systems, resulting in superior image quality compared to generic filtering techniques. This adaptability allows for potential revenue streams through licensing the technology to manufacturers of imaging equipment. The business model could involve a combination of upfront licensing fees and royalty payments based on product sales. Strategically, the patent positions its holder as a key player in the image processing market, enabling partnerships with leading companies in the aforementioned industries. ROI projections are promising, given the potential for increased sales and market share for companies that integrate this technology into their products. Furthermore, the patent's broad claims covering the apparatus, method, program, and recording medium provide strong protection against competitors. The technology's ability to improve image quality can lead to increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. In the medical field, this can translate to more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes. In security systems, it can enhance the effectiveness of surveillance and threat detection. Overall, the Image Processing Apparatus, Filter Acquisition Apparatus, Image Processing Method, Filter Acquisition Method, Program, and Recording Medium patent presents a compelling business opportunity with significant potential for growth and profitability.","faqs":null,"topics":["image processing","filter acquisition","image filtering","optical systems","computer vision","image","processing","apparatus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Processing Apparatus, Filter Acquisition Apparatus, Image Processing Method, Filter Acquisition Method, Program, and Recording Medium - Patent US-9854187","description":"Discover how this image processing apparatus enhances image filtering with high accuracy using individual optical system characteristics. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["image processing","filter acquisition","image filtering","optical systems","computer vision","patent","patent US-9854187"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854187","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-9854187","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image processing apparatus, filter acquisition apparatus, image processing method, filter acquisition method, program, and recording medium\" (US-9854187). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854187","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854187","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854187","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T02:47:16.013Z"}