Auto White Balance Interpolation During Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic white balance processes in imaging devices consume significant power, particularly during autofocus operations when images are blurry or in preview mode, as they need to run continuously to correct tinting in each frame.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a first number of statistics for a frame, performing an autofocus operation, and then determining a second number of statistics during this operation, which is less than the first, to calculate a white balance gain that is interpolated and applied to subsequent frames, thereby reducing the computational load and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full-scale white balance calculations are performed on each frame during autofocus operations, then accurate color rendering is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing white balance calculations selectively - only when focus is achieved or for limited frames during autofocus, rather than continuously on every frame. This reduces computational load and power consumption while maintaining sufficient color accuracy for the user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic white balance updates tied to focus events. Instead of continuous calculation on every frame, white balance is recalculated periodically at key moments (when focus is achieved, or at intervals during autofocus), reducing overall processing requirements while maintaining color consistency
2Measurement precision
If white balance is determined for each frame during preview mode, then color accuracy is maintained, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial white balance processing by using reduced statistics sets during autofocus operations and preview mode, calculating white balance only for selected frames rather than all frames, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining acceptable color accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary white balance calculations using available statistics before final image capture or display. By preparing white balance gains in advance during preview or autofocus, the system reduces real-time processing requirements when the actual photo is taken or displayed
3Quantity of substance
If statistics are calculated for every frame, then comprehensive data is available for white balance determination, but power consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential statistics needed for white balance determination rather than calculating complete frame statistics. By selecting and processing only relevant data points (such as average R/G and B/G ratios from specific image regions), the system reduces computational load and power consumption while maintaining sufficient data quality for accurate white balance
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial statistics sets during certain operations (like autofocus or preview mode), processing fewer data points than would be used for final image capture. This selective processing maintains adequate white balance accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption during high-frequency operations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for automatic white balance are disclosed. In some aspects, a device includes a memory and a processor coupled to a camera and the memory. The processor may be configured to determine a first number of statistics associated with a first frame, cause the camera to perform a first autofocus operation, determine a second number of statistics associated with a second frame during the first autofocus operation, the second number of statistics being less than the first number of statistics, determine a white balance gain based on the first number of statistics and the second number of statistics, and apply the white balance gain to a third frame.