Imaging Processing Apparatus Illuminance Variance Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-capturing apparatuses using a single optical system produce parallax images with variance in illuminance due to the combination of parallax pixels and optical system, leading to imbalances that negatively impact image processing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that obtains and calculates pixel values from pixels with no-parallax and parallax openings to produce 2D image data by averaging values from surrounding pixels, addressing the variance in illuminance and parallax issues through a monocular pupil-division approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single image-capturing optical system is used to produce parallax images, then the device complexity is reduced, but variance in illuminance occurs between parallax images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful illuminance variance caused by the single optical system into a beneficial correction target. By identifying the specific pattern of illuminance differences between parallax pixels, the system applies targeted gain correction to balance the illuminance, transforming the original problem into a solved issue while maintaining the simple single-optical-system configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illuminance parameter by applying gain correction factors to the pixel values. The calculating unit computes appropriate gain values based on the illuminance variance pattern and multiplies them with the raw pixel data, thereby adjusting the illuminance levels to achieve balance between different parallax images while preserving the original optical system
2Adaptability or versatility
If parallax pixels with single-direction openings are used, then parallax image capture is enabled, but imbalance between parallax images occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system first captures parallax images, then calculates the illuminance variance between them, determines appropriate gain correction factors, and applies these corrections to produce balanced output images. This closed-loop process ensures that the parallax capture capability is maintained while the image balance is automatically corrected based on the measured variance
3Productivity
If conventional parallax image processing is used, then parallax images can be produced, but pre-capture images of uniform surfaces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-correct the illuminance imbalance using only the captured parallax image data itself. The calculating unit derives the gain correction factors directly from the variance observed in the captured images, eliminating the need for external uniform surface references or pre-capture calibration images, thereby making the system self-sufficient
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is disclosed to obtain first image data including a first pixel value of a first pixel having a no-parallax opening corresponding to a reference direction, a second pixel value of a second pixel having a parallax opening that causes parallax in one direction and a third pixel value of a third pixel having a parallax opening that causes parallax in the opposite direction, to calculate, for a pixel position of the second pixel, a fourth pixel value by averaging the second pixel value at the pixel position and a hypothetical third pixel value and to calculate, for a pixel position of the third pixel, a fifth pixel value by averaging the third pixel value at the pixel position and a hypothetical second pixel value, and to use the first pixel value, the fourth pixel value and the fifth pixel value to produce 2D second image data.