Image Processing Method for High Dynamic Range Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face challenges in capturing high dynamic range scenes due to limited sensitivity, leading to difficulties in accurately reproducing both bright and dark areas, and existing solutions require expensive components or complex processing, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that divide a scene into zones to determine optimal short-exposure and long-exposure times, allowing for the combination of frames to extend the dynamic range, using common and inexpensive image sensors, and incorporating motion estimation and correction to minimize image blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the exposure time of the image sensor is increased to increase the dynamic range and capture details in low light conditions, then the dynamic range is improved, but the captured image becomes susceptible to shaking of the imaging device causing blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The scene is divided into multiple zones with different exposure requirements. The image sensor captures multiple frames with different exposure times tailored to specific zones, allowing each zone to be optimized without compromising the entire image. This resolves the contradiction by segmenting the exposure strategy rather than using a single exposure time for the whole scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic exposure adjustment where exposure times are varied across different zones and frames based on scene analysis. The system dynamically determines optimal exposure times for different regions, allowing the imaging system to adapt to varying lighting conditions within the scene while maintaining image quality through motion correction techniques.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional techniques are used to combine image signals from two frames taken during different exposure times to increase dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but expensive components and complicated processing routines are required increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs algorithms that automatically analyze the scene, divide it into zones, and determine optimal exposure times without requiring complex external processing equipment. The system self-manages the multi-exposure capture and combination process through software-based zone analysis and exposure calculation, reducing the need for expensive additional hardware components while maintaining high dynamic range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the exposure time parameter dynamically based on zone-specific lighting conditions rather than using fixed exposure settings. By adjusting exposure parameters adaptively across different zones and combining frames with varying exposure times, the system achieves extended dynamic range using standard image sensors without requiring complex specialized components.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional techniques are used to combine image signals from two frames taken during different exposure times to increase dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but expensive components are required increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard, inexpensive image sensors that can be easily manufactured and replaced, rather than requiring expensive specialized high-dynamic-range sensors. The extended dynamic range capability is achieved through software processing and multi-frame combination techniques applied to conventional sensors, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures multiple copies of the same scene at different exposure times and combines them to create a high dynamic range image. This copying approach allows standard image sensors to achieve extended dynamic range capabilities without requiring expensive specialized sensor hardware, as the dynamic range enhancement is achieved through processing multiple copies of the scene rather than through expensive sensor technology.
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 capture of high-quality images with a wider dynamic range using standard image sensors, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring accurate representation of both bright and dark areas without significant blurring.
Implementation Method 1
These image sensors convert an optical image focused on the sensors into electrical signals, which represent the intensity of the image
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for processing an image, a scene to be captured is divided into multiple zones and statistical values for a plurality of the multiple zones are obtained. In addition, a short-exposure time and a long-exposure time from the statistical values of the plurality of zones are determined. A long-exposure frame is captured at the long-exposure time and a short-exposure frame is captured at the short-exposure time. The long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame are combined into a combined image while correcting for motion estimated to have occurred between the long-exposure frame and the short-exposure frame, and the combined image is stored.