Imaging Apparatus Light Splitting for Wide Dynamic Range

The patent divides the imaging task into multiple channels with different exposure times. A first image sensor captures images with a first exposure time optimized for bright areas, while a second image sensor captures images with a second exposure time optimized for dark areas. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in capturing specific illuminance ranges, resolving the contradiction between capturing bright outdoor light and seeing dark indoor objects.

The patent extends the imaging solution from a single exposure time dimension to multiple exposure time dimensions. By using image sensors that can operate with different exposure times simultaneously or alternately, the system captures information across multiple temporal dimensions, then fuses these images to achieve wide dynamic range coverage that neither single exposure time could achieve alone.

The patent segments the imaging function across multiple sensors with different exposure characteristics. The first image sensor uses a shorter exposure time to avoid overexposure in bright outdoor conditions, while the second image sensor uses a longer exposure time to capture sufficient light from dim indoor areas. This segmentation prevents either sensor from suffering the drawbacks of using a single exposure time for all lighting conditions.

The patent applies local quality by assigning different exposure time characteristics to different parts of the imaging system. Each image sensor is optimized with specific exposure parameters suited for its intended lighting range, allowing the system to maintain high image quality in both bright and dim areas simultaneously through selective optimization of local sensor characteristics.

The patent performs preliminary action by capturing adequate light signals in dark areas during the exposure phase itself, rather than relying on post-capture enhancement. The second image sensor is configured with a longer exposure time to accumulate sufficient photons from dim areas before detection, ensuring high signal-to-noise ratio is maintained at the source. This preliminary light accumulation avoids the need for noisy digital amplification later.

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a second image sensor with extended exposure capability as a mediator between the bright scene and the final fused image. This intermediary sensor specifically captures the dark area information with proper exposure, serving as a bridge that provides clean, high-quality dark region data without requiring aggressive digital enhancement that would amplify noise.

The patent segments the wide dynamic range imaging function across multiple dedicated image sensors rather than using sequential multi-exposure on a single sensor. Each sensor captures a complete scene simultaneously with its optimized exposure time, eliminating temporal separation issues. This segmentation approach maintains object composition stability while achieving wide dynamic range through spatial division of imaging tasks.

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by having multiple image sensors capture images simultaneously or in rapid succession without interruption. This continuous capture approach ensures that the scene composition remains consistent across all captured images, eliminating the temporal gaps and motion artifacts that cause ghosting and blur in traditional multi-exposure methods where the scene may change between exposures.