Camera White Balance Using a Fixed On-Body White Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing systems face challenges in accurately performing white balance on images captured by cameras due to varying light sources in the environment, which can result in unnatural image tones.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes a camera with a predefined white area within its image capturing range, where a computer acquires images and performs white balance using a preset area containing the white area, allowing for precise adjustment of the white balance by prioritizing reference points determined as white, and optionally using a larger area if the preset area does not meet conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If white balance is performed using the entire image capturing range, then more reference points are available for adjustment, but the accuracy decreases due to inclusion of non-white areas and varying light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing range is divided into a preset first area (focused area) and other areas. The white balance processing is performed using only the reference points within the first area, which is determined to contain the white area of the apparatus. This segmentation allows selective use of reference points that are most relevant for accurate white balance, excluding areas with varying light sources or non-white surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing priorities to different areas of the image. The first area containing the white area is given special attention and used as the primary source for white balance calculation. This local quality approach ensures that the most reliable reference points (those in the white area) are weighted more heavily in the white balance determination.
2Productivity
If a preset fixed first area is used for white balance, then processing is simplified and speed improved, but adaptability to different lighting conditions may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first area is determined in advance based on the known position of the white area on the apparatus. This preliminary determination of the processing area allows for efficient white balance calculation without requiring complex real-time analysis of the entire image. The system pre-identifies which area to focus on, improving processing speed while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the captured image to verify the presence and condition of the white area within the first area. If the white area is properly detected and meets certain criteria, the white balance is performed using this area. This feedback mechanism ensures adaptability to different lighting conditions while maintaining the efficiency of using a focused area.
3Reliability
If the white area of the apparatus is made visually appealing through display, then user motivation to paint or process it is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to virtual image superimposition
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the white area and superimposes it onto the displayed image of the apparatus. This virtual image can be made visually appealing or customized without physically modifying the actual white area. The virtual copy serves as a protective layer that satisfies user aesthetic preferences while preserving the functional white area needed for white balance calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
An example of an information processing system includes a moving object including a camera and including a white area in an exterior of the moving object. An image capturing range of the camera includes the white area. It is determined whether or not each of pixels in a preset specified area that includes the white area in an image captured by the camera is white, and if the number of pixels that are white according to the white determination exceeds a predetermined number, white balance is performed to adjust the pixels that are white according to the white determination in the specified area closer to white.