Dynamic Lens Shading Correction for Variable Aperture Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image capture devices with variable aperture camera modules face challenges in maintaining consistent image quality due to varying lens shading effects across different aperture sizes, leading to uneven brightness and color variations in photographs.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic lens shading correction (LSC) method that generates LSC gain tables for different apertures and updates them based on image data statistics, ensuring accurate correction for each aperture size and reducing motion-induced errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable aperture camera module is used to capture images at different aperture sizes, then the adaptability of the camera system is improved, but the lens shading effect varies across different aperture settings causing uneven brightness and color variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic LSC gain tables that are updated based on image data statistics collected at each aperture setting. Instead of using static correction values, the system continuously adapts the LSC parameters to match the current aperture state, thereby maintaining uniformity across variable aperture conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the LSC correction parameters dynamically based on the aperture size. By collecting image data statistics at different aperture settings and updating the LSC gain tables accordingly, the patent adjusts the correction parameters to compensate for aperture-specific shading effects, resolving the uniformity issue while preserving aperture adaptability
2Device complexity
If pre-calibrated LSC data is used for all aperture sizes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of LSC correction deteriorates for apertures without calibration data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by collecting image data statistics during normal operation and automatically updating its own LSC gain tables. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external recalibration procedures while maintaining high correction accuracy for all aperture settings through data-driven adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where image data statistics are continuously monitored and used to update the LSC correction parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures that the LSC system adapts to actual performance characteristics at each aperture setting, maintaining precision without requiring complex pre-calibration for every possible aperture value
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for image processing that support enhanced variable aperture (VA) camera operations. In a first aspect, a method of image processing includes determining first image statistics for first image data representing a first scene captured at a first aperture; and determining whether the first image data satisfies a first criteria. When the first image data satisfies the first criteria, the image processing includes determining an updated lens shading correction (LSC) corresponding to the first aperture based on the first image statistics and on a current LSC corresponding to the first aperture; and determining a first output image frame based on the updated LSC and the first image data. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.