Adaptive Bracketing Reduces HDR Ghosting Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed bracketing techniques in photography often result in ghosting artifacts when objects move or change during the capture of images used to generate high dynamic range (HDR) images, leading to unwanted semi-transparent figures or noise in the final HDR image.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive bracketing techniques that capture images at different times using the same exposure value, comparing differences between images to determine motion or noise, and generating a composite image to reduce ghosting artifacts, thereby eliminating the need for de-ghosting algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional fixed bracketing is used to capture images at different exposure values, then high dynamic range (HDR) image generation is achieved, but ghosting artifacts appear when objects move during capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed exposure value bracketing to adaptive bracketing where the exposure values are dynamically adjusted based on scene analysis. The system analyzes the scene between captures and modifies subsequent exposure values to account for moving objects, thereby reducing ghosting artifacts while maintaining HDR capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by analyzing the scene between image captures and using this analysis to adjust subsequent exposure values. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect moving objects and modify the bracketing sequence to minimize their impact, reducing ghosting artifacts in the final HDR image.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple images are captured at different exposure values to create HDR, then dynamic range is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase due to de-ghosting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing scene analysis between image captures to predict and prevent ghosting artifacts before they occur. By analyzing the scene and adjusting exposure values in advance, the system reduces the need for complex post-processing de-ghosting operations, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining HDR quality.
3Ease of operation
If fixed exposure value bracketing is used, then capture process is simple, but ghosting artifacts require complex de-ghosting algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the imaging system to automatically analyze scenes and adjust exposure values without requiring complex post-processing de-ghosting algorithms. The adaptive bracketing system serves itself by making real-time adjustments based on scene analysis, simplifying both the capture process and reducing the need for complex processing algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Adaptive bracketing techniques for photography are described. An adaptive bracketing logic/module directs an imaging device to capture an adaptive bracket. The adaptive bracket can include a first image captured at a first exposure value, a second image captured at a second exposure value, and a third image captured at the first exposure value. The first exposure value can be underexposed in comparison to the second exposure value. The adaptive bracketing logic/module can determine that a difference between the first and second images; determine that the third image is more similar to the second image than the first image; and generate a composite image using the first image and the third image. The adaptive bracketing logic/module can also update the adaptive bracket to include the composite image. Optionally, the updated adaptive bracket can be used to generate one or more high dynamic range (HDR) images. Other embodiments are described.