Vertical Line Artifact Correction in Digital Camera Images
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current correction techniques for vertical line artifacts in digital camera images, such as those caused by defective columns of pixels, often result in unsatisfactory outcomes, including the introduction of new artifacts or failure to correct the original issue, due to incorrect assumptions about the nature and extent of the defects.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting and correcting vertical line artifacts by determining that pixels in the defective column have a non-zero suppressed signal, using statistical corrections based on information from non-defective columns and gray card data, and applying correction factors to enhance the signal strength of the suppressed pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current correction techniques are applied to vertical line artifacts, then the original defects may be corrected, but new artifacts are introduced or the correction fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and characterizing defective pixels before correction is applied. The system identifies suppressed pixels, determines their suppression values, and prepares correction factors in advance using gray card data and statistical analysis, ensuring that correction is based on accurate defect characterization rather than generic algorithms that may introduce new artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the correction approach based on the specific characteristics of suppressed pixels. Instead of uniform correction, the system adjusts correction parameters (correction factors) based on the determined suppression values and statistical data from gray card images, allowing precise correction that adapts to each defective pixel's specific behavior.
2Measurement precision
If statistical correction is applied based on gray card data, then correction accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces processing complexity during actual image correction by performing preliminary statistical analysis during gray card capture. The system pre-calculates correction factors and stores them for later use, so that when real images need correction, the complex statistical computations have already been completed, leaving only simple application of predetermined correction factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the gray card data from the same camera to automatically generate correction parameters specific to that device. The camera's own captured gray card images are used to characterize its defective pixels and determine correction factors, eliminating the need for manual defect mapping or external calibration equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If suppressed pixels are identified and corrected individually, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction process with the normal image processing pipeline. By integrating suppressed pixel detection and correction into the existing image capture and processing flow, the system corrects defects without requiring separate processing steps, thus improving image quality while minimizing additional processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and characterization of suppressed pixels using gray card data, storing the results for rapid correction during actual image capture. This pre-processing allows the main image processing to apply corrections efficiently without time-consuming analysis during the critical image capture moment.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for detecting a vertical line artifact in an image captured with a digital camera. The vertical line artifact may be caused by a defect in the digital camera. Techniques also are described for correcting a vertical line artifact in an image captured with a digital camera. It may be determined that the vertical line artifact includes at least one pixel in the vertical line having a non-zero suppressed signal. A value for the pixel having the non-zero suppressed signal may be determined. A statistically-based correction may be applied to the pixel having the non-zero suppressed signal based on the determination that the pixel has a non-zero suppressed signal and the determined value of the pixel. The image may be a portion of a movie stored on a DVD.