White Balance Control for Infrared-Affected Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging apparatuses face issues with color reproducibility due to the reception of infrared light, causing images to become reddish and degrading color accuracy, especially with increased image sensor sensitivity in low-illuminance environments.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that adjusts white balance control based on the presence and effect of infrared light, using a correction level to determine valid white balance control values, and dynamically adjusts gains to maintain accurate color reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the IRCF is removed from the optical axis to increase image sensor sensitivity in low-illuminance environments, then the image sensor can capture infrared light, but the color reproducibility is degraded and the captured image becomes reddish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes white balance control parameters (gain values for R, G, B components) based on the detected infrared light amount. When infrared light is detected, the system adjusts the gain values to compensate for the reddish color shift, thereby maintaining color reproducibility while allowing the IRCF to be removed for improved sensitivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If white balance control is performed assuming no infrared light reception, then color reproduction is accurate in normal conditions, but color accuracy is lost when infrared light is received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where an infrared light detection unit detects the amount of infrared light received by the image sensor, and this detection result is fed back to the white balance control unit. The white balance control unit then adjusts the white balance parameters based on the infrared light amount, enabling adaptive color accuracy maintenance under varying infrared light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static white balance control (fixed gain values) to dynamic white balance control where the gain values are continuously adjusted based on real-time infrared light detection. This allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining color accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the white balance control mode is switched based on IRCF position, then color reproducibility is improved, but the system cannot adapt to varying degrees of infrared light reception
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discrete switching between fixed white balance modes, the patent implements continuous parameter adjustment where the white balance gain values are dynamically modified based on the detected infrared light amount. This allows fine-grained adaptation to varying degrees of infrared light reception rather than coarse mode switching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains white balance and improves color reproducibility by adapting white balance control to the sensitivity of the image sensor and lighting conditions, preventing image quality deterioration from infrared light interference.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging apparatus is known which is configured such white balance (hereinafter referred to as WB) control is performed in a state in which infrared light is sensed by an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as an adjustment unit configured to adjust a color of an input image based on a correction level defining a degree to which the color of the input image is to be corrected, a calculation unit configured to calculate a first white balance control value based on the input image, an evaluation unit configured to evaluate whether the first white balance control value is valid, and a setting unit configured to set a second white balance control value based on an evaluation result by the evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit determines an evaluation criterion for evaluating whether the first white balance control value is valid based on the correction level determined by the adjustment unit.