Image Processing White Balance Control After Infrared Filter Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices experience significant white balance fluctuations when infrared cutoff filters are removed, leading to color imbalances and degraded image quality, especially in continuous imaging scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that detects the influence of infrared light on captured images, calculates white balance control values at specific timings, and adjusts gain settings to maintain stable white balance by performing periodic recalculations based on illuminance changes and elapsed time since previous calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the infrared cutoff filter is removed to enhance sensitivity in low-illuminance environments, then the imaging sensor can take in infrared light, but the colors of the captured image become unbalanced and reddish, deteriorating color reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting white balance control parameters based on detected infrared light influence. The system changes the timing and methodology of white balance calculations to compensate for infrared light effects, transforming the fixed parameter approach into a dynamic one that adapts to infrared presence while maintaining color accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously detecting the influence of infrared light on captured images and using this information to adjust white balance control. The system monitors color balance status and feeds this information back to modify subsequent white balance calculations, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains color reproducibility despite infrared light interference
2Manufacturing precision
If white balance control is continuously adjusted in the IRCF removal state, then color balance can be maintained, but the white balance is easily changed when objects or light sources change, causing large fluctuations during consecutive imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the white balance control system adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the degree of white balance correction based on the detected influence of infrared light and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to actual infrared effects while maintaining stability by modulating the correction intensity according to scene characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by performing white balance recalculations at specific intervals and under specific conditions rather than continuously. The system uses periodic detection of infrared light influence and performs white balance adjustments only when necessary, based on elapsed time and changes in imaging conditions, thereby maintaining stability while preventing drift
3Manufacturing precision
If white balance is frequently recalculated to adapt to environmental changes, then color accuracy can be maintained, but computational load increases and processing time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing white balance recalculations only partially or selectively based on detected conditions. Instead of full recalculations at every opportunity, the system performs adjustments only when the detected infrared light influence exceeds certain thresholds or when specific time intervals have elapsed, reducing unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining color accuracy when needed
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a detection on influence of infrared light on colors of an input image, calculate a white balance control value based on the input image, and control a timing when the white balance control value for the input image is calculated, wherein the white balance control value is calculated at a first timing when a result of the detection is changed, and a second timing when presence of the influence of the infrared light is detected.