Imaging Spectral Sensor Fusion for Localized White Balance Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital imaging systems struggle to accurately compensate for light source distortion, particularly when multiple light sources are present or a scene is dominated by a single object, limiting the effectiveness of white balance correction.
Innovation Solution
Integration of spectral sensors with interference-based filters, such as Fabry-Perot filters, to provide spatially separated spectral information across an image sensor, allowing for localized white-balance correction in different areas of the scene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional white balance correction is used in digital imaging systems, then the system can compensate for light source distortion, but the accuracy is limited when multiple light sources are present or a scene is dominated by a single object
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple spatial regions, each with its own spectral sensors that independently analyze local illumination characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple light sources by treating each region's illumination separately, rather than applying a single global white balance correction that would be inaccurate for complex lighting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized spectral analysis by placing spectral sensors in specific spatial regions of the image sensor array. Each region's spectral sensors provide localized spectral information that enables area-specific white balance correction, allowing different parts of the image to be corrected according to their local illumination conditions rather than applying a uniform correction across the entire image.
2Measurement precision
If spectral sensors with interference-based filters are integrated to provide spatially separated spectral information, then localized white-balance correction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral sensors with interference-based filters serve multiple functions: they provide spectral information for white balance correction, enable color rendering analysis, and support various scene lighting condition assessments. By making these sensors multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving improved localized white balance correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines spectral sensors, interference-based filters, and image processing capabilities into an integrated sensor array system. This merging of components that would traditionally be separate allows the system to achieve sophisticated localized spectral analysis and white balance correction without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the components work together in a unified architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy of white balance correction by providing localized spectral responses, enabling improved color representation in images captured under varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Interference-based filters, such as Fabry-Perot filters, when used in conjunction with spectral sensors have been shown to be capable of providing information that can be used in a camera system to improve automated white balancing
Data Source
AI summary
A method begins by generating a received light spectrum at time T1 for a scene using a spectral imager that includes a plurality of spectral sensors, where a spectral sensor includes a spectral filter overlaying one or more first optical sensors and the sensing range for the plurality of spectral sensors together include a spectrum of wavelength and outputting information representative of a spectral image for the scene at T1 to a processing module. The method continues by using an image sensor to image the scene at time T2, where the image sensor includes a plurality of second optical sensors, and outputting information representative of an image of the scene at T2 to the processing module where the image of the scene has a spatial resolution that is higher than the spatial resolution of the spectral image. The method continues by producing a combined spectral image based on the information representative of a spectral image for the scene at T1 and the information representative of the image at T2 and correcting, based on the combined spectral image, an illuminant for one or more spatial areas of the scene to produce a corrected spectral image.