Real-Time Red-Eye Correction in Flash Image Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems fail to automatically correct image artifacts like red-eye and bright-eye artifacts in real-time when capturing images with a flash, requiring post-processing and specific color space conversion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that extract image data from a buffer, determine face and eye positions, and apply corrections to specific regions of interest to reduce or eliminate artifacts, allowing for real-time artifact correction before image storage or compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If post-processing software is used to correct red-eye artifacts, then artifact correction is achieved, but processing time is increased and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies artifact correction at the buffer stage, performing the correction action before the image is fully processed and stored. By detecting eyes and applying corrections to buffer data while it is still in memory, the system eliminates the need for post-processing, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining correction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects eye regions and applies corrections without requiring user intervention or special photo editing software. The camera device itself performs the correction function, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external post-processing tools.
2Measurement precision
If color space conversion is performed before correction, then correction accuracy is improved, but processing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting the entire image to a different color space, the patent applies targeted parameter changes only to the detected eye regions. The correction is applied by modifying pixel values within the buffer data for specific eye areas, avoiding the complexity of global color space conversion while maintaining correction accuracy.
3Reliability
If the entire image is processed for artifact correction, then all artifacts are corrected, but processing time and computational resources are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task by first detecting eye regions and then applying corrections only to those specific segments. By dividing the image into regions of interest (eye areas) and processing only those segments, the system achieves comprehensive artifact correction where needed while maintaining high processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction is applied locally to eye regions rather than uniformly across the entire image. The system identifies specific eye areas and applies artifact correction only to those local regions, optimizing processing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary processing of other image areas while ensuring comprehensive correction where artifacts are present.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a system, and computer program product for correcting image artifacts in image data captured by a camera sensor in conjunction with a flash. The method includes extracting, from a buffer, an image data captured by at least one camera sensor. The method then includes determining, from a metadata of the image data, a face in the image data and a position of a first eye and a second eye. The method then includes selecting at least one region of interest around at least one of the first and the second eye based on a size of the face and a distance between the eyes. In response to selecting the at least one region of interest, at least one correction is applied to the at least one region of interest to reduce or eliminate the appearance of at least one image artifact in the image data.