Dual Image Sensor White Balancing via Multispectral Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition methods struggle with accurate white balancing, especially when the Gray World Assumption or other limiting conditions are not satisfied, leading to improper color representation in images.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual-image sensor system, where a first image sensor captures an RGB image and a second image sensor captures a multispectral image, with a processor that registers and performs color conversion on the images using estimated illumination values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If white balancing is performed by analyzing RGB image information based on the Gray World Assumption, then the process is simple and fast, but the accuracy deteriorates when the assumption or limiting conditions are not satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple regions and performs white balancing separately for each region. This segmentation allows the system to handle different illumination conditions in different areas, improving color accuracy without sacrificing processing efficiency through parallel processing of regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional RGB three-channel analysis to multispectral imaging with multiple wavelength bands. By adding spectral dimensionality, the system can more accurately separate illumination effects from object color, achieving high color accuracy while maintaining productivity through efficient spectral processing algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used to capture images in different wavelength bands, then color accuracy and illumination separation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines images from multiple image sensors capturing different wavelength bands into a unified multispectral image. This merging process integrates information from various sensors while using registration and fusion algorithms that manage complexity, achieving high illumination estimation accuracy without making the device overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the image acquisition apparatus so that the dual image sensor system serves multiple functions: capturing RGB images for standard processing, acquiring multispectral data for accurate white balancing, and providing robust performance under various illumination conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering superior performance across diverse scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If region-based illumination estimation is performed, then color conversion accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs detailed region-based illumination estimation only for critical regions where color accuracy is most important, while using simplified methods for other areas. This partial action approach maintains high color accuracy where needed while reducing overall processing time and computational load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs algorithms that automatically identify regions with significant illumination variations and apply intensive processing only where necessary. The system self-adapts to allocate computational resources efficiently, maintaining high regional color accuracy while minimizing processing time through intelligent resource allocation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate white balancing by separating illumination from object colors, resulting in more precise color representation and improved image quality under varying illumination conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Image sensors receive light incident from an object and photoelectrically convert the received light into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a second image sensor configured to acquire a second image based on a second wavelength band of 10 nm to 1,000 nm
Implementation Method 3
a color filter including an array of filter elements capable of selectively transmitting red light, green light, and blue light for color expression
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition apparatus includes: a first image sensor configured to acquire a first image based on a first wavelength band; a second image sensor configured to acquire a second image based on a second wavelength band of 10 nm to 1,000 nm, and a processor configured to register the first image and the second image, which are respectively output from the first image sensor and the second image sensor, to obtain a registration image based on the first image and the second image, and perform color conversion on the registration image by using an illumination value estimated from the second image.