High-Dynamic Range Image Blending With Selective Pixel Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional digital photography systems are limited by the dynamic range of image sensors, which can be addressed through high-dynamic range (HDR) photography by capturing multiple exposures and merging them to create images with a larger dynamic range.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for blending pixels based on their attributes, such as intensity and exposure, to generate high-dynamic range images, using automatic and user-controlled blending techniques, and incorporating metadata and cloud-based feedback for improved image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple exposures are captured and merged to create HDR images, then the dynamic range of the image is improved, but the processing complexity and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing task by dividing pixels into different groups based on their exposure characteristics. Pixels are segmented into those that are overexposed, underexposed, or properly exposed, allowing selective blending of only necessary pixel regions. This segmentation approach reduces the overall processing complexity by avoiding unnecessary computations on all pixels while still achieving HDR效果.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing blending operations only on specific pixel regions that require it, rather than processing the entire image uniformly. By identifying and processing only the portions of the image with exposure issues, the system achieves HDR效果 with reduced processing complexity and faster execution time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Illumination intensity

If multiple exposures are captured and merged to create HDR images, then the dynamic range of the image is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by performing blending operations only on specific pixel regions that require HDR processing, rather than uniformly processing the entire image. This selective approach significantly reduces processing time while maintaining HDR quality in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the multiple exposure images to identify pixel characteristics and exposure levels before the actual blending operation. By preparing pixel grouping and exposure assessment in advance, the system optimizes the subsequent blending process and reduces overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic blending techniques are used for HDR image generation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the blending process decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidblending precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system evaluates the results of automatic blending operations and uses this information to refine subsequent blending decisions. By incorporating feedback loops that assess pixel quality metrics and exposure accuracy, the system maintains high blending precision while operating in automatic mode, effectively bridging the gap between ease of operation and processing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12425744B2Systems and methods for high-dynamic range images
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 DUELIGHT LLC
  • US12425744B2 patent drawing
  • US12425744B2 patent drawing
  • US12425744B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for high-dynamic range images. In use, a first pixel attribute of a first pixel is received and a second pixel attribute of a second pixel is received. Next, a scalar based on the first pixel attribute and the second pixel attribute is identified. Finally, the first pixel and the second pixel are blended, based on the scalar, wherein the first pixel is brighter than the second pixel. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented.