Image Processing Apparatus Color Correction for Multi-Camera Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Color mismatching between images captured by multiple cameras due to varying ambient light and illumination conditions reduces object retrieval accuracy in color-based retrieval systems.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that detects identical objects, selects suitable objects for color matching based on color information, and determines color correction information to align the color profiles of images captured by different cameras, using features like SIFT and color histograms to ensure accurate color matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If color matching is performed using images captured by multiple imaging apparatuses, then color consistency across different cameras is improved, but object retrieval accuracy deteriorates due to color mismatching caused by ambient light and illumination variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference object (such as a white balance card or standard color target) as an intermediary element that is captured by multiple imaging apparatuses. This reference object serves as a mediator to establish color relationships between different cameras, allowing color correction to be performed without directly comparing colored objects that may be affected by ambient light variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for color matching by shifting from direct object color comparison to reference-based color space transformation. It applies color correction matrices and transformation parameters derived from reference object measurements to adjust the color output of each imaging apparatus, thereby achieving color consistency while maintaining object retrieval accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If specific objects are extracted for color matching from images captured in various environments, then color correction can be performed, but the difficulty in extracting suitable objects increases due to varying capture conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by placing reference objects in the capture environment before capturing target objects. These reference objects are specifically designed to be easily detectable and extractable under various lighting conditions, providing a reliable basis for color correction before the actual object retrieval process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, easily manufacturable reference objects such as white balance cards or standard color targets that can be quickly deployed and replaced. These reference objects are designed to be inexpensive and easy to extract from images, eliminating the complexity of extracting suitable objects from complex scene imagery.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect at least one identical object or at least one object of an identical type from images captured by a plurality of imaging apparatuses, a selection unit configured to select at least one object from among at least one detected object based on color information of each object, and a determination unit configured to determine color correction information related to a plurality of the imaging apparatuses based on color information of at least one selected object. The image processing apparatus enables restricting the degradation of the color matching accuracy.