Dual Camera HDR Imaging via Pixel-Level Exposure Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image shooting methods face challenges with long shooting times and poor image quality, particularly in capturing High-Dynamic Range (HDR) images effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing two camera assemblies, where one camera captures a normal image and the other captures an image with different exposure levels, with the second camera's pixel points being controlled to have varying exposure durations or illuminations, followed by image splitting and composition to produce an HDR image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are shot sequentially to capture different exposure levels, then HDR image quality is improved, but shooting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor into multiple pixel groups, where each group captures a different exposure level simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel capture of multiple exposure images, eliminating sequential shooting delays while maintaining HDR quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by assigning different exposure levels to different spatial locations (pixel groups) on the sensor array. This transforms the time-based sequential capture into a space-based parallel capture, achieving HDR without increasing shooting time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each pixel point captures the same exposure level, then image sensor simplicity is maintained, but HDR image capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions (pixel groups) of the image sensor are assigned different exposure characteristics. This local differentiation enables HDR capability without requiring complete sensor redesign, as only specific pixel groups need specialized exposure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: standard imaging mode (all pixels same exposure) and HDR mode (different pixel groups with different exposures). This multi-functionality allows the same sensor to adapt to different shooting requirements without dedicated HDR hardware.
3Productivity
If image processing is simplified, then processing speed is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs exposure differentiation at the pixel level during image capture rather than requiring complex post-processing. This preliminary action at the sensing stage simplifies subsequent processing while maintaining high image quality, as the heavy lifting is done during data acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for shooting an image and a terminal device are provided. The method is applied in a terminal device having a first camera assembly and a second camera assembly, and includes: controlling n adjacent pixel points corresponding to a same filter unit in the second image sensor to be under respective different amounts of exposure; obtaining a first image and a second image of an object respectively by the first image sensor and the second image sensor; performing an image splitting on the second image to obtain a third image having a same number of pixels as the first image; performing an image composition on the third image and the first image to obtain a high dynamic range image of the object.