Imaging Control Device for High Dynamic Range Luminance Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High dynamic range imaging (HDRI) techniques face challenges in generating visually recognizable images due to fluctuations in image luminance caused by setting target numbers of saturated and black pixels, leading to combined images that are difficult to visualize.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a controller that adjusts the first and second exposure times based on the number of saturated and black pixels, and luminance values to achieve target luminance levels, using a combiner and exposure time controller to generate a combined image with auto-exposure functions for each camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If exposure time is adjusted to set target numbers of saturated and black pixels, then the dynamic range coverage is improved, but image luminance fluctuates causing poor visual recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the luminance of the combined image and uses this feedback to adjust exposure times. The luminance measurement unit continuously monitors the combined image luminance, and the exposure time adjustment unit modifies exposure parameters based on this feedback to maintain luminance within a target range, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving target pixel counts and maintaining visual recognition quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes exposure time parameters dynamically based on luminance measurements. By adjusting exposure time as a variable parameter in response to measured luminance conditions, the system can maintain both appropriate saturation/black pixel counts and stable luminance for visual recognition
2Illumination intensity
If multiple exposure times are used to capture different luminance ranges, then the dynamic range is expanded, but the complexity of exposure control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of exposure times based on automated luminance measurements. The exposure time adjustment unit automatically determines appropriate exposure parameters without requiring manual intervention, and the auto-exposure control based on luminance measurement enables the system to self-regulate the complexity of managing multiple exposure times
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic exposure time adjustment where exposure parameters are not fixed but are continuously adapted based on measured luminance conditions. This dynamic approach simplifies control by allowing the system to respond adaptively to changing conditions rather than requiring pre-configured complex control for all possible scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging control device includes a combiner configured to generate a combined image on the basis of a first image captured in a first exposure time and a second image captured in a second exposure time longer than the first exposure time and an exposure time controller configured to control at least one of the first exposure time and the second exposure time on the basis of a number of pixels of at least one of saturated pixels having pixels values equal to or larger than a predetermined value and black pixels having pixel values equal to or smaller than the predetermined value in the combined image and a value concerning a luminance value of the combined image.