HDR Pixel Stream Blending for Dynamic Range and Color Accuracy

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing blend weights for different pixel intensity ranges before actual HDR processing. Lookup tables are prepared in advance with optimal blending parameters, so that during runtime, the system only needs to perform simple table lookups and weighted averaging operations rather than complex real-time optimization, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high dynamic range and maintaining processing simplicity

The patent changes parameters by transforming pixel values from linear intensity space to logarithmic or gamma-corrected space, and by adjusting blend weights based on predefined intensity thresholds. These parameter transformations simplify the merging process while preserving the extended dynamic range, allowing the system to achieve high dynamic range output without proportionally increasing processing complexity

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the blending process into distinct automatic and user-controlled components. The automatic blending handles routine merging based on pixel intensity analysis, while user controls provide optional adjustment for specific scenarios. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high color accuracy through the automatic path while offering enhanced precision through user intervention when needed, without requiring the full complexity to be always active

The patent introduces an intermediary blending module that sits between the multiple exposure inputs and the final HDR output. This intermediary applies color space transformations, white balance adjustments, and tone mapping as intermediate processing steps. By inserting these intermediary processing layers, the system can progressively refine color accuracy without directly complicating the core merging algorithm, as each intermediary step addresses specific color fidelity issues independently