Camera Module Multi-Exposure Capture for Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional digital photography systems are limited by the dynamic range of image sensors, leading to challenges in capturing images with optimal exposure, especially in varying lighting conditions, as they typically capture a single image per shutter release, resulting in over-exposure or under-exposure.
Innovation Solution
A digital photographic system that generates a set of images under different strobe intensities or exposure parameters, allowing for the selection of an optimally exposed image from the set, enabling better dynamic range management and user-adjustable aesthetic preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single image is captured per shutter release, then the operation is simple and fast, but the exposure quality deteriorates due to limited dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single capture event into multiple sequential image captures with different exposure parameters (e.g., different exposure times, gains, or strobe intensities). This segmentation allows the system to obtain multiple exposure variants from one shutter release, improving exposure quality without requiring multiple manual shots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of optimal exposure parameters before capturing the final image. By first capturing reference images or measuring scene luminance, the system pre-calculates the best exposure settings, then executes the final capture with optimized parameters, ensuring high exposure quality while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If multiple exposures are captured to improve dynamic range, then the exposure quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of exposure parameters within a single capture sequence. The system varies exposure time, gain, or strobe intensity across multiple captures according to a predetermined pattern or real-time scene analysis, enabling high dynamic range capture without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines and executes the optimal capture sequence without user intervention. The processor autonomously analyzes scene luminance, determines appropriate exposure parameters, and sequences the captures, reducing the need for complex user interfaces or manual configuration while achieving high dynamic range results.
3Reliability
If strobe intensity is adjusted to optimize exposure, then the exposure control improves, but the loss of time increases due to multiple captures
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or sequential capture patterns where multiple images are taken in rapid succession with systematically varied strobe intensities or exposure parameters. This periodic approach allows the system to efficiently sample different exposure conditions and select the optimal image, improving exposure control while minimizing total capture time through automated selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product for generating a digital image. The method comprises receiving a shutter release command and causing a camera module to sample a first image of a photographic scene based on a first set of sampling parameters in response to the shutter release command. Next, the first image within an image set is stored and a camera module is caused to sample a second image of the photographic scene based on a second set of sampling parameters in response to the shutter release command. Additionally, the second image within the image set is stored, and a strobe intensity value is specified based on a measured exposure for images in the image set. Lastly, a strobe unit is configured based on the strobe intensity value, and in response to configuring the strobe unit, the camera module is caused to sample a final image.