Electronic Device Measuring Effective Dynamic Range Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in objectively evaluating the image quality levels between image sensors using different High Dynamic Range (HDR) technologies, due to variations in operation control methods.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is developed to measure the effective dynamic range (DR) length of an image sensor by using an actual image and a method of operating the device, which involves receiving reference and target code values, estimating an inverse camera response function, generating radiance and signal-to-noise ratio maps, and calculating the effective DR length based on these maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different HDR technologies are applied to image sensors, then the dynamic range performance is improved, but the objective evaluation of image quality levels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming code values from different HDR technologies into a unified radiance scale through inverse CRF estimation. By converting various HDR output formats into a common radiance parameter space, the system enables objective comparison of image quality across different HDR implementations while preserving their enhanced dynamic range capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that acts as a mediator between different HDR technologies and the evaluation process. This intermediary uses radiance map generation and inverse CRF estimation to translate diverse HDR outputs into a standardized measurement framework, enabling objective image quality assessment without compromising the performance benefits of various HDR approaches
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference images with different exposure times are used, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex measurement process into distinct modular stages: code value reception, inverse CRF estimation, radiance map generation, and effective DR length calculation. Each stage processes specific inputs and produces defined outputs, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining measurement precision through systematic breakdown of the evaluation workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing reference code values through inverse CRF estimation to generate radiance maps before the actual effective DR length measurement. This preliminary transformation of code values into radiance information simplifies subsequent measurement operations and enables more accurate determination of dynamic range characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an electronic device includes receiving a plurality of reference code values respectively corresponding to a plurality of reference images captured by an image sensor during different exposure times, receiving a plurality of target code values corresponding to a target image captured by the image sensor, estimating an inverse camera response function (CRF) by adjusting a scale of the plurality of reference code values so that the scale of the plurality of reference code values is equal to a scale of the inverse CRF, wherein the inverse CRF estimates radiance corresponding to the plurality of reference code values, generating a radiance map based on the plurality of reference code values and the inverse CRF, and measuring an effective dynamic range (DR) length of the image sensor based on the radiance map and the plurality of target code values.