Variable Aperture Camera White Balancing for Color Consistency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic image sensors capture light information identically in different scenes, leading to mismatched color representation compared to human perception, particularly under varying illumination sources, resulting in unexpected color casts in images.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic white balancing compensation is applied based on aperture size and lighting conditions, using interpolation to determine compensation factors for different apertures, adjusting channel sensitivities to maintain consistent color representation across aperture changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed white balancing algorithm is used for image processing, then the processing simplicity is maintained, but the color accuracy deteriorates under varying aperture settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic white balancing by making the white balancing algorithm adaptive to aperture changes. The system determines current aperture settings and dynamically adjusts white balancing parameters accordingly, transforming a static processing approach into a dynamic one that maintains color accuracy across varying aperture conditions while keeping the overall system manageable through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the white balancing algorithm based on aperture settings. By detecting the current aperture state and adjusting white balancing parameters (such as gain values for different color channels) accordingly, the system maintains color accuracy without requiring complete redesign of the processing pipeline, thus balancing simplicity and precision.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic white balancing compensation is applied for different apertures, then the color accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining white balancing parameters for different aperture settings. The system proactively adjusts white balancing compensation based on detected aperture changes before significant color distortion occurs, rather than reacting to already-distorted images. This proactive approach improves color accuracy while managing complexity through predictive rather than corrective processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors aperture settings and uses this information to adjust white balancing parameters in real-time. The aperture detection feedback loop enables the system to adapt white balancing dynamically, improving color accuracy across varying conditions while automating the process to prevent complexity from escalating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aperture changes are made to control light intake, then the exposure flexibility is improved, but the color consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by changing the white balancing parameters in response to aperture changes. When the aperture parameter changes to achieve different exposure levels, the system simultaneously adjusts white balancing parameters (such as channel gains) to compensate for the resulting color shifts, thereby maintaining color consistency while preserving exposure flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by anticipating color distortion caused by aperture changes and applying compensatory white balancing adjustments in advance. When aperture settings are modified for exposure control, the system proactively applies counteracting white balancing compensation to prevent color inconsistency, thus maintaining color stability while allowing exposure flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for image processing that support enhanced white balancing operations. In a first aspect, a method of image processing includes receiving first image data obtained at a first aperture; determining a first output image frame based on the first image data by applying a first white balancing to at least a portion of the first image data; receiving second image data obtained at a second aperture; and determining a second output image frame based on the second image data by applying a second white balancing based on the first aperture and the second aperture to at least a portion of the second image data. The second white balancing may be based on a first compensation factor based on the first aperture and the second aperture used to adjust the first white balancing. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.