White Balance Control Using Light Classification Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as smartphones and digital cameras, face challenges in accurately controlling white balance during photography, leading to errors like bluish distortions when a single color subject is photographed, as existing Auto White Balance (AWB) functions struggle to differentiate between light sources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Sensor of Light Classification (SLC) that captures and classifies incident light into visible and infrared components, allowing the electronic device to determine the light source type and adjust the white balance accordingly, using a combination of image sensors and processors to generate images optimized for the identified light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If Auto White Balance (AWB) function is used to automatically adjust white balance, then white balance control is simplified and can be performed automatically, but white balance errors occur when single color subjects are photographed because the system cannot differentiate between light sources and subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the incident light analysis into two distinct components: visible light (captured by the image sensor) and infrared light (captured by the SLC sensor). By separating these wavelengths and analyzing them independently, the system can compare the spectral characteristics to determine whether a colored region represents a light source or a subject, thereby resolving the white balance error problem while maintaining automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Sensor of Light Classification (SLC) as an intermediary component that specifically detects infrared light characteristics. This intermediary sensor provides additional spectral information that acts as a mediator between the incident light and the white balance processing system, enabling accurate differentiation between light sources and subjects without compromising the automation of white balance control
2Measurement precision
If a Sensor of Light Classification (SLC) is added to classify incident light into visible and infrared components, then light source type identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the SLC sensor to perform multiple functions: it classifies incident light into visible and infrared components, identifies light source types based on spectral characteristics, and provides information for both white balance adjustment and scene understanding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors and processing pathways, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision
3Manufacturing precision
If white balance adjustment is performed based on incident light analysis, then image color accuracy is improved, but processing time increases due to additional light classification and analysis steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of incident light into visible and infrared components using the SLC sensor before the main image capture and white balance processing. By pre-analyzing the spectral characteristics and identifying the light source type in advance, the system can apply the appropriate white balance correction more quickly during image processing, thereby reducing the overall processing time while maintaining high color accuracy
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
This method effectively prevents white balance errors by accurately determining the light source type and adjusting the image processing to maintain the original subject color, enhancing image quality by avoiding misinterpretation of subject colors as light source colors.
Implementation Method 1
a Sensor of Light Classification (SLC) that captures and classifies incident light into visible and infrared components
Implementation Method 2
classifies incident light into visible and infrared components
Implementation Method 3
capturing, by an electronic device, a first incident light sample and generating an image based on the first incident light sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: capturing, by an electronic device, a first incident light sample and generating an image based on the first incident light sample; capturing, by the electronic device, a second incident light sample and identifying a light source type associated with the second incident light sample; and adjusting a white balance of the image according to the light source type.