Image Sensor HDR Capture Using Dual-Sensitivity Pixel Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in generating high dynamic range (HDR) images when subjects move, leading to artifacts such as ghost effects due to differences in exposure times between short-exposure and long-exposure images.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an image sensor featuring unit pixels and a processor that adjusts sensitivity and conversion gains to acquire and combine images based on the photographing environment, reducing artifacts and enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multi-frame HDR technology is used to extend dynamic range by acquiring images with different exposure times, then the dynamic range is improved, but ghost effects and artifacts appear when subjects move during acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between single-frame and multi-frame HDR modes based on motion detection. The system dynamically adjusts the photographing mode by detecting subject movement between frames and switching to appropriate mode, making the HDR system adaptive to changing scene conditions rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion detection results to control the HDR photographing mode. By analyzing whether subjects have moved between captured frames, the system feedback-controls whether to continue with multi-frame acquisition or switch to single-frame mode, eliminating artifacts while preserving dynamic range benefits when conditions permit
2Illumination intensity
If multiple images with different exposure times are acquired to generate HDR, then the dynamic range is extended, but the photographing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the number of frames to acquire based on scene conditions and motion detection. Rather than always acquiring multiple frames, the system adaptively switches between single-frame and multi-frame modes, reducing time loss when multi-frame acquisition is not necessary while maintaining dynamic range extension capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of frame acquisition number based on detected conditions. The system adjusts whether to acquire one frame or multiple frames by changing this critical parameter according to motion detection results and scene requirements, optimizing the balance between dynamic range and photographing time
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
The solution enables the generation of HDR images with reduced artifacts and improved dynamic range, optimizing image acquisition based on the environment for enhanced image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor including a plurality of unit pixels, each unit pixel including two or more individual pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an image sensor including a plurality of unit pixels, each unit pixel including two or more individual pixels, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to acquire a first image frame from the image sensor, determine a photographing environment of the electronic device, based on the first image frame, and, in response to the photographing environment corresponding to a first photographing environment, control the image sensor to acquire analog data through the individual pixels, and provide first digital data digitally converted from the analog data with first sensitivity, and second digital data digitally converted from the analog data with second sensitivity which is higher than the first sensitivity, and acquire a second image frame which follows the first image frame, based on the first digital data and the second digital data.