Image Processing Using White Balance for Black Balance Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies suffer from deviations in black balance due to individual product differences, temperature characteristics, and sensitivity, leading to incorrect color reproduction in captured images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a detection unit to identify black balance deviation, an acquisition unit to gather white balance information, a calculation unit to determine correction values, and a correction unit to adjust black balance based on these values, using offset addition and white balance gain multiplication to correct for deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If black balance correction is performed using fixed offset values determined at manufacturing, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to individual product differences and temperature characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the correction approach from fixed offset values to dynamic correction values that are calculated based on white balance information and luminance signals. The correction value is determined by multiplying the luminance signal by a correction coefficient derived from white balance data, allowing the system to adapt to individual product differences and temperature variations without increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces white balance information as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between fixed manufacturing parameters and variable black balance characteristics. By using white balance data (which is already calculated for color reproduction) as a basis for determining black balance correction values, the system leverages existing processing to achieve improved precision without adding separate correction mechanisms
2Speed
If separate black balance correction is performed independently of white balance, then processing speed is improved, but color reproducibility deteriorates due to deviation in black balance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges black balance correction with white balance processing by using the same white balance information to determine both color reproduction adjustments and black balance correction values. This integration allows the system to perform both corrections simultaneously using the same luminance signal and correction coefficients, maintaining processing speed while improving color reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes white balance information serve multiple functions: it is used both for traditional white balance color correction and for determining black balance correction values. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate correction processes, maintaining processing efficiency while achieving accurate color reproduction across the entire luminance range
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as a detection unit configured to detect deviation in black balance in an input image, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on white balance of the input image, a calculation unit configured to calculate, in a case where the detection unit detects deviation in the black balance, a correction value to correct the deviation in the black balance based on the information on the white balance, and a correction unit configured to correct the deviation in the black balance based on the correction value calculated by the calculation unit.