Dual Optical System HDR Imaging via Dynamic Aperture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for acquiring high dynamic range (HDR) moving image data struggle to maintain the frame rate of combined data, as they require multiple exposures and lower frame rates for HDR image capture.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus with two parallel optical systems, each equipped with drivable optical members and a control unit that adjusts the aperture stops to create a difference in exposure, allowing for HDR moving image data acquisition without reducing the frame rate by dynamically changing the aperture diameters during image capturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple exposures are used to acquire HDR moving image data, then HDR quality is improved, but frame rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into two parallel optical systems (first and second optical systems), each capturing images with different exposure settings simultaneously. This segmentation allows both underexposure and overexposure images to be acquired at the same time, maintaining high frame rates while achieving HDR quality through subsequent combination of the two image sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal multiplexing (sequential imaging at different exposures) to spatial parallelism by introducing a second optical system. This dimensional change from time-based to space-based acquisition enables simultaneous capture of multiple exposure levels, resolving the frame rate limitation inherent in sequential methods.
2Illumination intensity
If neutral density filters are used for exposure control, then exposure difference is achieved, but device complexity and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static neutral density filters with dynamic aperture control, where the aperture stops in both optical systems are driven to different opening degrees. This dynamic adjustment allows flexible, programmable exposure control without physical filter attachments, reducing device complexity and improving operational flexibility while maintaining the ability to create exposure differences for HDR imaging.
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
Enables the acquisition of HDR moving image data with maintained frame rates by dynamically adjusting aperture exposures, providing a wider range of visual expressions and avoiding the need for neutral density filters, which require pre-attachment and fixed light attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor that images, through the first and second optical systems, an object
Implementation Method 2
a first aperture stop provided to the first optical system and drivable to a first opening degree, a second aperture stop provided to the second optical system
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a first optical system and a second optical system arranged in parallel, a first optical member provided to the first optical system and drivable, a second optical member provided to the second optical system, and having the same function as that of the first optical member, and a control unit configured to control driving of the first and second optical members so as to provide a difference between driving positions of the first and second optical members.