A new robust combined method for auto exposure and auto white-balance

Abstract

This paper proposes a new auto-exposure and auto white-balance algorithm that can accurately detect high-contrast lighting conditions and improve the dynamic range of output images for a camera system. The proposed method calculates the difference between the mean value and the median value of the brightness level of captured pictures to estimate lighting conditions. After that, a multiple exposure mechanism which can improve image details is carried out in combination with a simple auto white-balance algorithm which is capable of detecting pictures with one primary color. Simulation results show that the system works well with CMOS sensors used in mobile phones and surveillance cameras. Besides, the proposed algorithm is fast and simple and therefore can be fitted in most CMOS platforms that have limited capabilities. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.