Image Capture Apparatus for Extended Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing techniques for wide dynamic range imaging often result in unnatural connections between frames and residual images due to blank periods caused by varying exposure times, especially when capturing moving subjects or with camera shake.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus and method that sets different exposure times for successive frames to minimize blank periods, using an exposure time setting unit to calculate exposure times such that the sum of exposure times matches either the time for n frames or one frame, ensuring smooth frame connections and reduced residual images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exposure time is set with reference to only the brightness of the photographic subject, then extended dynamic range imaging is achieved, but blank periods appear causing unnatural frame connections and residual images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the exposure time adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The exposure time is dynamically set based on both the brightness of the photographic subject and the frame rate, allowing the system to optimize between extended dynamic range and frame connection smoothness under different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of exposure time from being solely brightness-dependent to being jointly determined by brightness and frame rate. This parameter change allows the blank period to be controlled and minimized while maintaining extended dynamic range imaging capabilities
2Reliability
If exposure time is made shorter to reduce blank periods, then frame connections become smoother, but the ability to capture sufficient light for extended dynamic range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts exposure time based on the relationship between brightness and frame rate, allowing it to optimize for either frame connection smoothness or extended dynamic range depending on the specific operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the exposure time parameter to be a function of both brightness and frame rate, enabling the system to achieve the desired balance between reducing blank periods and maintaining sufficient light capture for extended dynamic range imaging
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frames with different exposure times are captured, then extended dynamic range is achieved, but the time required for capturing n frames increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the exposure time parameter to consider both brightness and frame rate, allowing for optimized capture times that reduce the total time required while maintaining extended dynamic range imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by minimizing blank periods between frames, making the exposure timing continuous and efficient, thereby reducing the total time required to capture n frames while maintaining image quality
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus having an imaging sensor and a processor configured to set n different exposure times for n successive frames, where n is an integer equal to or larger than two; control the imaging sensor to capture the n successive frames with the set n exposure times so as to make a blank period between frames shorter than the n exposure times; acquire n pieces of image data of the n successive frames captured by the imaging sensor; and generate a composite frame for recording or displaying a motion picture of an extended dynamic range from the n pieces of image data, wherein the processor is further configured to set the n exposure times so that a sum of the n exposure times matches a time for n frames for the composite frame or a time for one frame for the composite frame in accordance with a brightness of a photographic subject captured by the imaging sensor.