Image Pickup Apparatus Continuous Exposure High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup apparatuses face challenges in obtaining high dynamic range images of moving objects, as they require repeated photography at different exposure times, leading to positional deviations and reduced frame rates due to the need for sophisticated image processing and separate computer processing for correction.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a pixel section, exposure amount control, memory section, and readout control that allows continuous exposure and sequential reading of pixel signals across multiple frames, enabling the acquisition of high dynamic range images without the need for repeated photography and frame rate reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repeated photography at different exposure times is performed to obtain high dynamic range images, then image quality in terms of dynamic range is improved, but positional deviation occurs due to subject motion and hand shake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing exposure control and image acquisition in advance before positional deviation occurs. The exposure amount control unit continuously adjusts exposure parameters and the image pickup section captures multiple images at different exposure times in a continuous manner, ensuring that the images are acquired when the subject position is stable, thereby reducing positional deviation while maintaining high dynamic range quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the exposure amount control unit that continuously monitors and adjusts exposure parameters based on feedback signals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing lighting conditions and subject motion, optimizing the exposure timing to minimize positional deviation while capturing the necessary dynamic range information.
2Measurement precision
If repeated photography at different exposure times is performed to obtain high dynamic range images, then image quality in terms of dynamic range is improved, but frame rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing continuous exposure and continuous image acquisition. The exposure amount control unit continuously adjusts exposure parameters and the image pickup section continuously captures images at different exposure times without interruption. This continuous operation allows the system to maintain high frame rates while still acquiring the multiple images needed for high dynamic range processing, as the useful action of image acquisition never stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action to prepare multiple images at different exposure times in advance during continuous acquisition. By pre-acquiring these images before they are needed for processing, the system can maintain high frame rates while still having the necessary dynamic range data ready, eliminating the need to wait for repeated photography cycles.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated image processing and separate computer processing for correction is used to handle positional deviation, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the exposure control functions and image acquisition functions into a single unified system. The exposure amount control unit and image pickup section work together as a coordinated unit, eliminating the need for separate computer processing systems. This integration reduces device complexity while still achieving high image quality through coordinated exposure control and continuous image acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the image pickup apparatus to perform its own exposure control and image acquisition autonomously. The exposure amount control unit automatically adjusts exposure parameters and triggers image capture without requiring external computer intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for sophisticated external processing systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high image quality.
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
This solution allows for the generation of high dynamic range images with reduced image quality deterioration from subject motion and hand shake, maintaining a higher frame rate by integrating exposure control and memory processing within the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel section in which plural pixels which generate signal charges corresponding to an exposure amount are arrayed two-dimensionally
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an image pickup apparatus including a pixel section in which plural pixels are arrayed two-dimensionally, an exposure amount control section that determines an exposure amount and controls the pixel section to be continuously exposed plural times, a memory section that can store a pixel signal from the pixel section for plural frames of an output image, a vertical scanning circuit that reads out the pixel signal of the pixel section and stores the pixel signal in the memory section, and a column processing section that reads out the pixel signal stored in the memory section. The vertical scanning circuit sequentially reads out respective pixel signals related to the plural times of exposures and stores the pixel signals in the memory section.