Multi-Camera White Balance Equalization Using Weighted Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems struggle to optimally equalize white balance across multiple cameras installed on a moving body, as they simply average white balance information without considering the unique properties of each camera, leading to inconsistent image brightness and color.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a controller that calculates a common target white balance value, using a white balance calculator and corrector for each camera, and applies weighting coefficients based on camera characteristics and vehicle state to ensure synchronized correction of individual white balance values across multiple cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If white balance information from multiple imaging cameras is simply averaged, then the calculation process is simple, but the white balance equalization is not optimal and images show inconsistent brightness and color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different weighting coefficients to white balance information from different imaging cameras based on their individual characteristics and installation positions. Instead of uniform averaging, each camera's white balance data is weighted according to its specific properties, enabling optimal equalization while accounting for local differences in camera performance and environmental exposure.
2Productivity
If white balance correction is applied without considering individual camera properties, then the processing speed is fast, but the image quality consistency across multiple cameras is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-determining weighting coefficients for each imaging camera based on their characteristics and installation positions before actual image capture. This preparation allows the system to quickly apply weighted averaging during operation, maintaining high processing speed while ensuring reliable and consistent white balance equalization across all cameras.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual white balance values are corrected at different speeds, then each camera can correct independently, but the images are corrected at different times causing synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction process by calculating a common target white balance value from the weighted individual white balance values and then correcting all cameras to this unified target. This combining approach ensures that while each camera maintains independent correction capability, all images are synchronized to the same white balance standard, eliminating timing discrepancies and ensuring consistent appearance across multi-camera images.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system (1) includes: plural imaging devices (11) which are mounted on the same moving body, and configured to capture subjects to acquire images; and a controller (12) configured to calculate a target white balance value common to the images acquired by the imaging devices. Each imaging device (11) includes: a white balance calculator (1082) configured to calculate an individual white balance value of the image acquired by the imaging device (11); and a white balance corrector (107) configured to correct the individual white value of the image of the subject taken by the imaging device (11) to the target white balance value. The controller (12) includes a weighting unit (2005) configured to individually weight the individual white balance value given from each imaging device (11).