{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854224","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854224","title":"Image processing apparatus, image capturing apparatus, and image processing program","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2012-03-12T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":16,"abstract":"Images can be processed using an image processing apparatus including: an image data obtaining section that obtains at least two pieces of parallax image data from an image capturing element that includes color filters and opening masks so that one color filter and one opening mask correspond to one of at least a part of photoelectric conversion elements and outputs the at least two pieces of parallax image data; and a correcting section that corrects color imbalance of a corresponding pixel caused between the at least two pieces of parallax image data, based on at least one of a position of the at least a part of photoelectric conversion elements in the image capturing element and an opening displacement of the opening mask."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Capturing Apparatus, and Image Processing Program patent introduces a novel image processing system designed to correct color imbalances in parallax image data. The core innovation lies in a correcting section that dynamically adjusts color balance based on the position of photoelectric conversion elements and the opening displacement of the opening mask within an image capturing element. This approach addresses the problem of color discrepancies arising in multi-lens or multi-sensor imaging systems, where variations in sensor characteristics and alignment can lead to inaccurate color rendition.\n\nThe key technical approach involves obtaining at least two pieces of parallax image data from an image capturing element that includes color filters and opening masks. The correcting section then analyzes the position of the photoelectric conversion elements and the opening displacement of the opening mask to determine the appropriate color correction factors. These factors are applied to the image data to minimize color imbalances and improve overall image quality.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to enhance the performance and reliability of various imaging applications. Mobile photography, surveillance systems, and medical imaging could all benefit from the improved image quality and reduced processing overhead. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for high-quality imaging solutions continues to grow across various industries. The system's ability to correct color imbalance at the hardware level reduces the reliance on complex software algorithms, leading to more efficient and real-time image processing capabilities. This is particularly valuable in applications where low latency and high frame rates are critical.","layman_explanation":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Capturing Apparatus, and Image Processing Program patent addresses a common problem in modern imaging: inconsistent colors when using multiple lenses or sensors. Think of smartphones with multiple cameras or advanced medical imaging devices. These systems aim to capture more information, but often struggle with color variations between the different lenses or sensors.\n\n**What Problem Does This Solve?**\nIn essence, this patent solves the problem of color imbalance in images captured by systems with multiple lenses or sensors. If each lens/sensor sees colors slightly differently, the final image can look unnatural or distorted. Existing solutions often rely on complex software to try and correct these issues, but these methods can be slow and imperfect.\n\n**How Does It Work?**\nInstead of relying solely on software, this technology tackles the problem at the hardware level. It uses a 'correcting section' that understands the unique characteristics of each lens or sensor. This section adjusts the color balance based on factors like the position of the light-sensitive elements and the design of the lens. It's like having a custom color filter for each lens, ensuring that they all see colors in the same way. Imagine a painter carefully adjusting their palette to get the perfect shade – this technology does something similar, but automatically and for each lens.\n\n**Why Does This Matter?**\nThe impact of this technology is significant. It can lead to higher quality images in smartphones, improved accuracy in medical diagnoses, and more reliable surveillance systems. The market opportunity is substantial as industries increasingly rely on multi-lens/sensor systems. By correcting color imbalances at the hardware level, this technology offers a competitive advantage in terms of image quality, processing speed, and overall system efficiency.\n\n**What's Next?**\nFuture applications could include advanced augmented reality systems, autonomous vehicles, and other areas where accurate and consistent image capture is crucial. As the demand for high-quality imaging continues to grow, this technology is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of image processing.","technical_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Capturing Apparatus, and Image Processing Program patent details a system for correcting color imbalance in images captured using parallax techniques. The system is predicated on the use of an image capturing element comprising color filters, opening masks, and photoelectric conversion elements. The core technical challenge addressed is the color variation that arises when capturing multiple parallax images due to slight differences in the position and characteristics of these elements.\n\nThe technical architecture of the system includes an image data obtaining section and a correcting section. The image data obtaining section is responsible for acquiring at least two pieces of parallax image data. The correcting section then analyzes this data, taking into account the physical position of the photoelectric conversion elements and the opening displacement of the opening mask. This analysis informs the color correction process, which aims to minimize color imbalances.\n\nImplementation details likely involve sophisticated calibration techniques to accurately map the spectral response of each photoelectric conversion element. Algorithms for interpolation and color space transformation may also be employed to achieve optimal color rendition. The performance characteristics of the system would depend on the accuracy of the calibration process and the efficiency of the correction algorithms. Code-level implications would involve careful optimization of these algorithms to minimize processing overhead and ensure real-time performance.\n\nThe integration patterns for this system would vary depending on the specific application. In a mobile photography context, the system could be integrated directly into the image signal processor (ISP) of the mobile device. In a surveillance system, the system could be implemented as a standalone module that processes the image data before it is transmitted or stored. The system's modular design allows for flexibility in integration and adaptation to different imaging platforms.","business_analysis":"The Image Processing Apparatus, Image Capturing Apparatus, and Image Processing Program patent presents a significant business opportunity in the image processing and capturing market. The core value proposition lies in its ability to correct color imbalances in parallax image data, a problem that affects various industries including mobile photography, surveillance, and medical imaging.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial. The global image sensor market is projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality imaging solutions. The competitive advantages of this technology include its hardware-based approach to color correction, which offers improved efficiency and real-time performance compared to software-based methods. This could lead to higher revenue potential through licensing agreements with image sensor manufacturers and device makers.\n\nPotential business models include licensing the technology to camera manufacturers, integrating the technology into image processing software, and developing specialized imaging devices that incorporate the technology. Strategic positioning would involve targeting markets where image quality and color accuracy are critical, such as medical imaging and high-end photography. ROI projections would depend on the adoption rate of the technology and the pricing strategy employed.\n\nThe technology could disrupt the market by offering a superior solution for color correction in parallax imaging. This could lead to increased market share for companies that adopt the technology and create new opportunities for innovation in image processing and capturing.","faqs":null,"topics":["image processing","parallax imaging","color correction","image capturing","photoelectric conversion","image","processing","apparatus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Processing Apparatus, Image Capturing Apparatus, and Image Processing Program - Patent US-9854224","description":"Discover how this image processing apparatus corrects color imbalance in parallax image data. Comprehensive patent analysis, technical details, and market applications.","keywords":["image processing","parallax imaging","color correction","image capturing","photoelectric conversion","patent","patent US-9854224"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854224","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-9854224","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image processing apparatus, image capturing apparatus, and image processing program\" (US-9854224). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854224","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854224","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854224","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T23:24:25.840Z"}