Multi-camera white balance abnormality detection via color feature difference

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-camera systems, abnormal white balance in one channel of images can occur due to differences in optical devices and shooting angles, affecting the display effect of multi-channel images. Existing methods struggle to quickly and accurately determine abnormal white balance across multiple channels.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the acquisition of target blocks from one channel image and associated reference blocks from adjacent channel images. Color feature representative values are determined for both, and a color feature difference value is calculated to identify white balance abnormalities. Adjustments are made based on this analysis to ensure consistent image effects across channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multi-camera mode is used to expand imaging range, then the imaging coverage and display effect are improved, but white balance abnormality occurs due to optical device differences and shooting angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidwhite balance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of color temperature to detect and correct white balance abnormalities. By comparing color temperature values between overlapping regions of adjacent camera channels, the system identifies channels with abnormal white balance and adjusts their color temperature parameters to achieve consistent white balance across all channels while maintaining multi-camera imaging coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional white balance adjustment methods are used, then white balance can be corrected, but the determination process is slow and inaccurate for multi-channel images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhite balance accuracyVSAvoiddetermination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-channel image into overlapping region blocks for targeted analysis. Instead of processing entire images, the system divides the overlapping areas into manageable blocks, calculates color temperature for each block, and identifies white balance abnormalities efficiently. This segmentation approach reduces computational complexity and accelerates the determination process while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional complex white balance judgment mechanisms with a color temperature-based detection mechanism. By using color temperature as a quantitative metric to represent white balance status, the system simplifies the detection process into straightforward numerical comparisons, enabling faster and more accurate white balance determination across multiple channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4009631B1White balance abnormality determination method and apparatus, storage medium, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 ZHEJIANG UNIVIEW TECH CO LTD
  • EP4009631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4009631B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4009631B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided are a white balance abnormality determination method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method includes: acquiring at least one target block in a first channel image, and acquiring at least one reference block in a second channel image for each target block, where the first channel image is adjacent to the second channel image; determining a color feature representative value of each target block and a color feature representative value of each reference block associated with a position of a respective target block; determining, according to a difference between the color feature representative value of each target block and the color feature representative value of each reference block associated with the position of the respective target block, a color feature difference value between the first channel image and the second channel image; determining, according to a magnitude relationship between the color feature difference value and a preset threshold, whether a white balance abnormality image exists in the first channel image and the second channel image; and in a case where a white balance abnormality image exists in the first channel image and the second channel image, adjusting the white balance abnormality image.