Automatic White Balance Correction for Color Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barcode reading systems lack the ability to perform automatic white balance correction for color cameras, leading to inaccurate color representation due to changing ambient lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic white balance correction, where a calibration area in each image is analyzed to determine the necessary white balance compensation, allowing for independent white balance adjustments throughout the day, eliminating the impact of ambient light variations on color representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional predefined white balance calibration is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but color representation accuracy deteriorates under changing lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic white balance correction by analyzing the captured image itself to determine lighting conditions and compute compensation biases, eliminating the need for manual user intervention or predefined calibration settings. The imaging system serves itself by automatically adapting to changing ambient light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures a test image, analyzes the color distribution to determine ambient lighting conditions, computes white balance compensation biases based on this analysis, and applies these biases to subsequent images. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously adapts to changing lighting conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual white balance correction is performed, then initial color accuracy is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to changing ambient light conditions throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The white balance correction system transitions from a static predefined calibration to a dynamic adaptive system that continuously monitors ambient lighting conditions and adjusts compensation biases in real-time based on the current environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects changing lighting conditions and performs white balance correction without requiring user intervention, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving adaptability through autonomous environmental sensing and adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If automatic white balance correction is implemented, then color accuracy under varying lighting is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs white balance correction on a test image or calibration frame rather than every single image, reducing processing overhead while maintaining color accuracy. The compensation biases computed from the test image are then applied to subsequent frames, avoiding redundant full-image analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for automatic white balance correction of color cameras. The method includes capturing a first image of a target object, the first image containing a calibration area defined by a symbology and a calibration zone within the calibration area. The symbology encodes data and has first-color elements and second-color elements. The calibration zone is defined by at least some of at least one of the first-color elements and second-color elements. The method includes obtaining a location of the calibration area in the first image, and capturing a second image of the target object, the second image being multicolor. The method includes locating the calibration area in the second image based on the location, and analyzing the calibration zone within the calibration area of the second image. The method includes calculating and applying at least one white balance compensation bias based on the analyzed calibration zone.