Hyperspectral Image White Balance Using Local Spectral Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital imaging systems struggle to accurately compensate for light source distortion, particularly when multiple light sources are present or a scene is dominated by a single object, limiting the effectiveness of white balance correction.
Innovation Solution
Integration of spectral sensors with interference-based filters, such as Fabry-Perot filters, to provide spatially separated spectral information across an image sensor, allowing for localized white-balance correction by determining the spectral response for each spatial area of the scene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional white balance correction is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy of color correction deteriorates when multiple light sources or single-dominant-object scenes are present
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple spatial areas, with spectral sensors distributed across different regions. Each spectral sensor captures spectral information for its local area, enabling localized white balance correction that adapts to different lighting conditions in different parts of the scene.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spatial areas of the scene receive customized white balance correction based on their specific spectral characteristics. The system determines spectral response for each spatial area independently, allowing each region to be corrected according to its local illuminant conditions rather than applying a global correction.
2Measurement precision
If spectral sensors with interference-based filters are integrated, then spectral information accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spectral sensors with interference-based filters (such as Fabry-Perot filters) into an integrated sensor system. This merging allows the system to capture detailed spectral information across multiple wavelengths while maintaining a compact structure that can be incorporated into existing imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated spectral sensor system serves multiple functions: it captures standard image data, extracts spectral information for white balance correction, and can potentially provide material identification capabilities. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering enhanced correction accuracy and additional analytical capabilities.
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
Enhances the accuracy of white balance correction by providing precise spectral information for each area of the image, improving color representation under varying light sources.
Implementation Method 1
Interference-based filters, such as Fabry-Perot filters, when used in conjunction with spectral sensors have been shown to be capable of providing information that can be used in a camera system to improve automated white balancing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging a scene includes a first plurality of optical sensors adapted to collect an image a second plurality of optical sensors, and a plurality of spectral filters associated with the second plurality of optical sensors, where each spectral filter is configured to pass light in one of a plurality of wavelength ranges to one or more optical sensor of the second plurality of optical sensors and each optical sensor of the plurality of optical sensors is associated with a spatial rea of the image. The system further includes one or more processors adapted to receive an output from the first plurality of optical sensors and the second plurality of optical sensors and combine the output of the first plurality of optical sensors and the output of the second plurality of optical sensors to provide a combined image. The one or more processors are further adapted to correct an illuminant for a spatial area of the image based on the combined image.