Selective Color Shading Correction for Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face increased computational load and memory requirements due to the need for extensive calculation and storage of correction data for color shading correction across entire images, and they fail to provide sufficient correction for individual variability in cameras, leading to suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that selectively decides whether to perform color shading correction for each pixel based on optical photographic conditions, using pre-calculated correction data to reduce processing load and account for camera-specific variations, by determining the necessity of correction based on factors like exit pupil position and aperture value, and utilizing a chart with known color distribution for data generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color shading correction is performed for all pixel signals based on photographic conditions and image height, then color shading correction accuracy is improved, but calculation load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into multiple regions based on image height (peripheral region and central region). The correction execution decision unit determines whether to apply correction differently for each region, allowing selective correction only where necessary (peripheral regions) rather than uniformly across the entire image, thus reducing calculation load while maintaining correction accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different correction strategies to different regions of the image. Peripheral regions undergo correction execution decision and potential correction, while central regions are excluded from correction. This local differentiation optimizes resource allocation by applying processing only where color shading is significant, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive correction accuracy and calculation efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If correction data tables for aperture-dependent characteristics and shading characteristics are stored in the camera, then correction data availability is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential correction data (correction amounts for peripheral regions) needed for effective color shading correction, rather than storing comprehensive correction data tables for all conditions. The correction execution decision unit uses photographic conditions to selectively apply corrections, reducing memory requirements while maintaining correction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial correction by focusing computational resources and storage on the peripheral regions where color shading is most prominent, rather than storing and processing correction data for the entire image. This partial approach to correction data storage and application reduces memory capacity requirements while achieving sufficient correction results.
3Manufacturing precision
If correction is applied to all pixel signals, then uniform correction coverage is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing into segments: correction execution decision for peripheral regions and exclusion of central regions. This segmentation allows the system to process only the necessary portions of the image (peripheral regions with significant color shading), reducing processing time while maintaining uniform correction coverage where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies correction partially, focusing exclusively on peripheral regions where color shading occurs, rather than uniformly processing all pixel signals. This partial correction approach reduces processing time significantly while achieving sufficient correction coverage in the areas that require it most.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device that performs color shading correction on an image formed by a plurality of pixel signals with correction data includes: a correction execution decision unit that decides whether or not color shading correction is to be executed for each pixel signal in order to perform color shading correction for a part of the plurality of pixel signals and not to perform color shading correction for another part of the plurality of pixel signals; and a correction unit that performs correction of the pixel signal of which execution of correction is decided by the correction execution decision unit for each color component thereof.