High Dynamic Range Image Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high dynamic range image systems struggle to capture the full dynamic range of scenes due to limited exposure duration ratios, leading to partial brightness information capture and image quality degradation during color mapping, as they often rely on fixed ratios or manual user input.
Innovation Solution
A method using an image sensor to consecutively generate high dynamic range images with varying exposure duration ratios, performing image quality evaluations to automatically determine the optimal exposure duration ratio, which is adjusted step-by-step until image quality deterioration occurs, then resetting to maintain optimal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the exposure duration ratio is increased to capture more dynamic range information, then the dynamic range coverage is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to color mapping compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the exposure duration ratio as a variable parameter to optimize the balance between capturing dynamic range information and maintaining image quality. By changing this parameter based on scene characteristics and lighting conditions, the system achieves both high dynamic range coverage and preserved image quality without excessive compression artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that evaluates image quality metrics and uses this information to adjust the exposure duration ratio. The system continuously monitors the trade-off between dynamic range capture and image quality degradation, then automatically optimizes the exposure ratio to maintain the best possible image quality while capturing sufficient dynamic range information.
2Device complexity
If a fixed exposure duration ratio is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed exposure duration ratio to a dynamic, adjustable ratio that adapts to different lighting conditions and scene characteristics. The system automatically modifies the exposure ratio based on real-time analysis of the scene, enabling it to handle varying dynamic ranges while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual setup of exposure duration ratio is required, then the precision of image quality control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically determines and adjusts the optimal exposure duration ratio without requiring manual user input. The system performs self-evaluation of image quality and self-adjustment of parameters, maintaining precise image quality control while significantly improving ease of operation for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an exposure duration of a high dynamic range image, including: consecutively generating a first high dynamic range image having a first exposure duration ratio and a second high dynamic range image having a second exposure duration ratio greater than the first exposure duration ratio; performing image quality evaluations on both the first high dynamic range image and the second high dynamic range image to obtain a first image quality and a second image quality, respectively; and determining whether the second image quality is better than the first image quality; if yes, generating a third high dynamic range image having a third exposure duration ratio greater than the second exposure duration ratio; if not, generating the third high dynamic range image having the first exposure duration ratio and setting the first exposure duration ration as the optimal exposure duration ratio.