Imaging Apparatus with Offset Optical Components for High Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring high dynamic range images, such as logarithm conversion type imaging devices and multiple imaging devices with different exposure values, are costly and inefficient, and cannot completely correct image shifts caused by subject movement.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a lens optical system, an imaging device, and an array-form optical element where the optical components are offset relative to the pixel groups, allowing for simultaneous image capture with different exposure values using a single imaging device, without the need for special conversion types or multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If logarithm conversion type imaging device is used to acquire high dynamic range image, then high dynamic range image can be acquired, but circuit complexity increases and pixel size cannot be decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is segmented into multiple pixel types (first pixels and second pixels) with different exposure characteristics within the same imaging device. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of different exposure values without requiring complex logarithm conversion circuits for each pixel, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining high dynamic range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the imaging device have different exposure characteristics - first pixels with normal exposure for darker areas and second pixels with reduced light amount for brighter areas. This local quality differentiation enables high dynamic range imaging by capturing both dark and bright regions appropriately without requiring complex conversion circuits.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices with different exposure values are used to acquire high dynamic range image, then high dynamic range image can be acquired, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging devices with different exposure values are merged into a single imaging device by integrating first pixels and second pixels with different exposure characteristics in the same imaging sensor. This merging achieves high dynamic range capability while significantly reducing the size and cost compared to using separate imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A single imaging device is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both first pixels for normal exposure and second pixels for reduced exposure. This multi-functionality allows the device to capture both dark and bright regions effectively, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Measurement precision
If images are captured in time division manner with different exposure time durations, then high dynamic range image can be acquired, but image continuity is disturbed due to subject movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of time-division capture, the system uses simultaneous periodic exposure of first pixels and second pixels with different exposure characteristics. This periodic action occurs at the same time, ensuring image continuity while maintaining high dynamic range capability by capturing different exposure values concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is pre-configured with both first pixels and second pixels having different exposure characteristics, allowing them to capture images simultaneously. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for sequential capture, thereby preventing image shift and maintaining continuity when subjects are moving.
4Measurement precision
If two images with different exposure values are synthesized, then high dynamic range image can be acquired, but synthesis processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures two images with different exposure values simultaneously using first pixels and second pixels, creating copies of the same scene at the same moment. This copying approach simplifies synthesis processing compared to time-division methods, as both images represent the same instantaneous scene, reducing the complexity of aligning and combining them.
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
Enables the generation of high dynamic range images with accurate brightness calculation and reduced costs, while maintaining image continuity by using a single imaging system and adjusting light exposure between pixel groups.
Implementation Method 1
an array-form optical element located between the lens optical system and the imaging device and including a plurality of optical components
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus disclosed in the present application includes a lens optical system including a lens and a stop; an imaging; and an array-form optical element located between the lens optical system and the imaging device and including optical components extending in a row direction in a plane vertical to an optical axis of the lens optical system, the optical components being arrayed in a column direction in the plane. The imaging device includes pixel groups, each of which includes first pixels arrayed in the row direction and second pixels arrayed in the row direction at positions adjacent, in the column direction, to the first pixels. The pixel groups are arrayed in the column direction. Border positions between the optical components are respectively offset in the column direction with respect to corresponding border positions between the pixel groups.