Dual Exposure Pixel Array Segmentation for Mixed Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices face challenges in capturing high-quality images with optimal exposure settings, particularly in scenarios where subjects are at different distances or lighting conditions, leading to inconsistent brightness and image quality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with an image sensor and a processor that identifies subject areas and adjusts exposure settings, such as exposure time or ISO speeds, for different portions of the image sensor array to ensure proper illumination and contrast, using techniques like phase detection and flash illumination to differentiate between subject and background areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single exposure setting is used for the entire pixel array, then the device complexity is low and operation is simple, but subjects at different distances or in different lighting conditions cannot be properly exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions (first portion and second portion) with different exposure settings. The processor identifies subjects at different distances and assigns appropriate exposure parameters to each region, enabling simultaneous optimization of exposure for both near and far subjects without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Different exposure settings are applied to different portions of the pixel array based on local subject characteristics. The first portion captures near subjects with one exposure setting while the second portion captures far subjects with another exposure setting, allowing each region to have optimized quality for its specific subject.
2Manufacturing precision
If different exposure settings are applied to different portions of the pixel array, then image quality for subjects at different distances is improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs preliminary identification of subjects at different distances before the actual image capture. By pre-determining which portions of the pixel array should capture near subjects and which should capture far subjects, the system prepares the appropriate exposure settings in advance, streamlining the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies subjects and assigns exposure settings without requiring manual intervention. The processor analyzes the scene, determines subject distances, and autonomously configures different exposure parameters for different pixel array portions, making the complex process transparent to the user.
3Illumination intensity
If the exposure time is increased to capture far subjects, then far subjects are properly exposed, but near subjects become overexposed and lose detail
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into a first portion for capturing near subjects and a second portion for capturing far subjects. By assigning different exposure times to each portion, the system can use a longer exposure time for the second portion to properly expose far subjects while using a shorter exposure time for the first portion to prevent overexposure and preserve detail in near subjects.
4Manufacturing precision
If the exposure time is decreased to capture near subjects, then near subjects are properly exposed, but far subjects become underexposed and lose brightness
Solution Approach 1:
Different exposure settings are applied locally to different portions of the pixel array. The first portion uses a shorter exposure time optimized for near subjects, while the second portion uses a longer exposure time optimized for far subjects, allowing each region to achieve optimal brightness and detail for its specific subject distance.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided including an image sensor that includes a pixel array, and a processor configured to control operations of: obtaining an image data set; processing the image data set to identify a first portion of the pixel array that is associated with a first subject and a second portion of the pixel array; and capturing an image by operating the first portion of the pixel array in accordance with a first exposure setting value and operating the second portion of the pixel array in accordance with a second exposure setting value.