Image Capture Block Exposure for Reduced Boundary Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses struggle with uneven exposure times and noise distribution across adjacent image blocks, leading to deteriorated image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus divides pixels into blocks and adjusts exposure conditions for each block, dynamically changing the light receiving position based on adjacent block conditions, and synthesizes images from multiple light receiving positions to even out noise distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If exposure time is uniformly set for all blocks, then device complexity is reduced, but noise distribution becomes uneven at block boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different exposure times for different blocks based on their specific luminance characteristics. Each block's exposure time is independently adjusted according to its local lighting conditions, allowing optimal noise control at block boundaries while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is divided into multiple blocks, each capable of independent exposure control. This segmentation allows the system to handle different exposure requirements for different regions without increasing overall system complexity, as each block operates autonomously with its own exposure timing.
2Manufacturing precision
If exposure time is extended for dark blocks, then image quality in dark regions improves, but noise increases in bright blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by calculating and applying different exposure times for each block based on its average luminance. Dark blocks receive extended exposure times to improve image quality, while bright blocks maintain shorter exposure times to prevent noise, with each block's exposure independently optimized for its local conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If light receiving position is changed based on adjacent block conditions, then noise at block boundaries is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the exposure time parameter for each block based on its luminance characteristics and adjacent block conditions. By dynamically adjusting the exposure time parameter rather than physical light receiving position, the system achieves noise minimization at block boundaries while avoiding the mechanical complexity of moving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts exposure times for each block based on real-time luminance measurements and adjacent block conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying lighting conditions and minimize boundary noise without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
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 approach enhances image quality by minimizing noise at block boundaries and ensuring appropriate exposure times, resulting in improved image capture performance.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device 100 having a plurality of pixels which output pixel signals according to incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus including: an image capturing device that has a plurality of pixels outputting pixel signals according to incident light, the plurality of pixels being divided into a plurality of blocks each including at least two pixels, and an exposure condition being set for each block; an image capture control unit that changes a light receiving position on the image capturing device, based on an exposure condition set for an adjacent block; and an image processing unit that synthesizes a plurality of images which are generated at a plurality of the light receiving positions.