Image Sensor Pixel Exposure Segmentation for HDR Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for synthesizing high dynamic range (HDR) images using multiple image frames are limited by the need for the same exposure duration across all pixels, leading to inefficiencies in image output due to shutter convergence delays and potential resolution loss.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that allows for different exposure durations for pixels within each frame, enabling efficient acquisition and synthesis of HDR images without convergence delays, using a four-in-one image sensor to capture frames with varying exposure durations and splicing pixels with the same exposure to generate high-quality HDR images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same exposure duration is applied to all pixels on the entire image acquisition component, then the image acquisition component can maintain simple control, but the efficiency of outputting HDR images is greatly limited due to shutter convergence delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image acquisition component into multiple pixel groups, where different pixel groups can have different exposure durations. This allows the system to acquire multiple image frames with different exposure parameters simultaneously without requiring the entire component to converge to a single exposure setting, thereby improving HDR image output efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pixel groups within the image acquisition component are assigned different exposure durations based on their specific requirements. This local differentiation enables some pixels to capture bright scenes while others capture dark scenes simultaneously, eliminating the need for shutter convergence and improving overall productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple image frames with different exposure durations are acquired continuously, then HDR image quality and dynamic range are improved, but the image acquisition component needs to converge to effectively output image frames
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of different exposure durations for different pixel groups before acquiring the image frames. By pre-setting the exposure parameters for each pixel group, the system eliminates the need for real-time convergence adjustments during the actual image acquisition process, saving time and improving HDR image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire image acquisition component sequentially applies significantly different exposure durations, then different exposure parameters can be tested, but the image acquisition component needs to converge to effectively output image frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image acquisition component into multiple pixel groups that can independently apply different exposure durations. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously test and apply multiple exposure parameters across different regions without requiring the entire component to converge, thereby maintaining versatility while improving output efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different exposure durations to different pixel groups based on the specific imaging requirements. This dynamic configuration allows flexible adaptation to various lighting conditions and scene requirements while maintaining high image frame output efficiency through parallel processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method including obtaining a plurality of image frames acquired by an image acquisition component, and, based on the plurality of image frames, generating a first target image frame, the plurality of image frames being obtained by the image acquisition component continuously acquiring at different times within a preset time period, the plurality of image frames including a first pixel and a second pixel, each of which having a different exposure duration, the plurality of image frames including image frames with the same maximum exposure duration.