Image Processing for Infrared-Aware White Balance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining appropriate white balance when an infrared light cut-off filter is removed, leading to deteriorated color reproducibility due to mixed visible and infrared light components, and existing solutions fail to effectively adjust white balance control accordingly.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a processor and memory to detect infrared light influence on input images, calculate and determine effective white balance control values, and set appropriate gains based on detection results, adjusting white balance control dynamically based on the presence or absence of an infrared light cut-off filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an infrared light cut-off filter is removed to improve imaging sensor sensitivity in low-illuminance environment, then sensor sensitivity is improved, but color reproducibility deteriorates due to mixed visible and infrared light components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the white balance control process into multiple determination stages: first determining whether infrared light is being captured, then determining whether color information is lost, and finally selecting appropriate white balance control values accordingly. This multi-stage segmentation allows the system to handle different lighting conditions and infrared capture scenarios separately, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity improvement and color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of white balance control by selecting from multiple predetermined white balance control values based on the determination results. When infrared light is captured and color information is lost, different white balance control values are applied compared to when color information is preserved. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the color reproduction parameters to the specific imaging conditions.
2Measurement precision
If white balance control is performed to adjust integral value ratio of RGB components when IRCF is removed, then color adjustment is attempted, but determination of effective control values becomes difficult when object colors are biased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of whether infrared light is being captured and whether color information is lost before executing white balance control. By预先 (in advance) establishing the imaging conditions through these determinations, the system can select from predetermined white balance control values that are already optimized for each condition, avoiding the complexity of real-time control value calculation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by using determination results about infrared light capture and color information status to guide the selection of white balance control values. This feedback loop ensures that the appropriate control values are applied based on actual imaging conditions, resolving the contradiction between control accuracy and determination complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect an influence of infrared light on a color of an input image, a calculation unit configured to calculate a first white balance control value based on the input image, a determination unit configured to perform determination of whether the first white balance control value is effective, and a setting unit configured to set a predetermined white balance control value based on a result of the determination by the determination unit.