Overlapping Sensor Color Correction for Image Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems with overlapping reading sensors face challenges in correcting image unevenness across different color areas, leading to color gaps and insufficient correction for colors other than red, green, and blue, due to linear correction methods and distinct boundaries between sensor areas.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that utilize overlapping reading sensors with color correction processing for each pixel, employing different correction characteristics for areas outside and within the overlapping regions, and generating color correction tables for each area to reduce color gaps and shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If linear correction is performed for each single color (red, green, blue), then correction for these specific colors is achieved, but correction for other colors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the correction approach from linear correction in RGB color space to gamma correction in L*a*b* color space. This parameter transformation enables comprehensive color correction for all colors, not just the primary colors, by operating in a perceptually uniform color space where corrections apply universally across the entire color spectrum.
2Device complexity
If a definite boundary is set between correction areas of adjacent sensors, then correction responsibility is clearly assigned, but color gaps appear at boundaries in output images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the overlapping area as an intermediary zone between adjacent sensor correction areas. In this overlapping region, correction values from both adjacent sensors are combined through averaging, creating a smooth transition zone that eliminates abrupt boundaries and prevents color gaps in the final output image.
3Measurement precision
If different correction characteristics are applied to overlapping and non-overlapping areas, then color accuracy is improved in overlapping regions, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing into distinct segments: non-overlapping areas use standard correction from a single sensor, while overlapping areas use combined correction from multiple sensors. This segmentation allows optimized processing for each region type, improving color accuracy in overlapping zones without unnecessarily complicating the processing of non-overlapping areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus performs predetermined image processing for read data obtained by reading an image on a document by first and second reading sensors arranged so as to have an overlapping area. The predetermined image processing includes color correction processing of converting color signals detected by light receiving elements of the reading sensors into color signals with respect to each of pixels forming read data. Color correction processing for first read data obtained from light receiving elements of the first reading sensor not included in the overlapping area and color correction processing for second read data obtained from light receiving elements of the second reading sensor not included in the overlapping area are performed in accordance with different correction characteristics. By doing this, an image in which image unevenness caused by individual differences of the short reading sensors is reduced can be output.