Dual Camera White Balance Adjustment via Reference Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras often struggle to automatically adjust white balance effectively across different lighting conditions, leading to unsightly color casts in captured images.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with dual imaging capabilities captures a reference image and compares it to a stored reference file to identify differences, automatically adjusting settings such as shutter speed and white balance to capture a target image, ensuring accurate color correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic white balance is used in digital cameras, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of color temperature deteriorates, leading to color casts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference object as an intermediary element with known color temperature characteristics. The system captures an image of this reference object and uses its known properties to calculate and determine the actual color temperature of the lighting condition, thereby achieving precise measurement while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the camera's built-in automatic white balance algorithm (which relies on complex image processing and assumptions) with a direct measurement approach using a reference object. This substitutes the mechanical/software-based estimation system with a more accurate physical reference-based measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If manual white balance adjustment is performed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing an image of the reference object and computing the color temperature without requiring user intervention for manual adjustment. The processor automatically compares the captured reference image with stored reference data and determines the appropriate white balance settings, combining precision with ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If a reference object with known color temperature is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copy or representation of the reference object (such as a color chart or standardized target) that can be captured by the camera. Instead of requiring complex physical reference systems, the invention uses a simplified visual reference that can be easily captured and processed digitally, thereby maintaining precision while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A software application corrects for luminance and/or color in a captured image on a device having two cameras. The first camera receives a reference image, and the second camera receives a target image. The device compares the reference image and a reference file retrieved from memory to identify one or more luminance or color differences, and it automatically actuates an optical adjustment element of the second imaging device in response to the differences. The second imaging device captures a target image, and the target image is stored in a computer-readable memory.