White Balance Processing Method for Accurate Color Representation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing white balance technologies fail to accurately perform white balance processing when no light source is present in the scene, leading to inaccurate color representation in images.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines whether a light source is present in an image by analyzing pixel distributions and using different algorithms for white balance processing based on the presence or absence of a light source, with one algorithm detecting color temperature and the other adjusting colors without detection, ensuring accurate color representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If color temperature detection algorithm is used for white balance processing, then accurate color representation is achieved when light source is present, but processing accuracy deteriorates when no light source is present in the scene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhite balance processing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing reliability under different scene conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic algorithm selection by detecting whether a light source is present in the scene. The system switches between the first algorithm (color temperature detection) and the second algorithm (alternative white balance processing) based on scene conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures high processing accuracy whether or not a light source is present, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameter (algorithm type) based on the detected scene condition. When no light source is detected, the system transitions from color temperature detection-based processing to alternative white balance processing. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliable performance across varying scene conditions, addressing the contradiction between accuracy with light source and reliability without light source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a single white balance algorithm is used for all scenes, then device complexity is reduced, but processing accuracy deteriorates in scenes without light sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealgorithm complexityVSAvoidwhite balance processing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic algorithm selection based on scene analysis. The system includes a light source detection module that determines whether a light source is present, and accordingly selects between two different white balance processing algorithms. This dynamic approach maintains processing accuracy in both scenarios (with and without light sources) while managing complexity through conditional logic rather than requiring multiple independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary light source detection mechanism that mediates between the input image and the white balance processing algorithms. This intermediary component analyzes the scene to determine light source presence and routes the processing to the appropriate algorithm, thereby maintaining high accuracy without requiring the system to simultaneously implement and manage multiple complex processing paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If color temperature detection is performed, then white balance accuracy is improved in normal lighting conditions, but processing time increases due to additional detection steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhite balance accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic processing where the system first performs light source detection and then conditionally executes the appropriate white balance algorithm. When a light source is detected, the system executes the color temperature detection algorithm for high accuracy. When no light source is present, it directly applies the alternative algorithm, avoiding unnecessary detection steps and reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary light source detection before executing the main white balance processing. This preliminary action allows the system to determine in advance which algorithm is appropriate, preventing wasted processing time on unsuitable algorithms and ensuring that the most efficient path is taken based on scene conditions, thereby balancing accuracy and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3477944B1White balance processing method, electronic device and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3477944B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477944B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3477944B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a white balance processing method. The white balance processing method includes processing (S110) an image to determine whether a light source is contained in a scene corresponding to the image; when the light source is contained in the scene, processing (S120) the image according to a first predetermined algorithm to acquire color temperature of the light source in the scene and performing a white balance processing on the image according to the color temperature of the light source; and when no light source is contained in the scene, performing (S130) the white balance processing on the image according to a second predetermined algorithm. The present disclosure further provides an electronic device and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium.