Intelligent Frame Capture for High-Dynamic Range Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-resolution sensors in portable information handling systems are limited by low frame rates, which restrict high-dynamic-range (HDR) video performance, as they typically capture frames at a single exposure setting, resulting in limited dynamic range and frame rate for smooth video output.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system that includes a raw image processor and a high-dynamic-range image management processor, which capture frames using different exposure settings at varying frame rates, merging frames to generate output frames with enhanced dynamic range and increased frame rates, thereby improving HDR video performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional high-resolution sensors capture frames at a single exposure setting, then the sensor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the dynamic range and frame rate for smooth video output are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame capture process by dividing frames into different exposure groups (first exposure setting and second exposure setting) with different frame rates. This allows the sensor to capture multiple exposures at different frame rates simultaneously, achieving high dynamic range and smooth video output without requiring a completely new sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic exposure allocation where the sensor alternates between different exposure settings at different frame rates based on scene requirements. The system dynamically adjusts which frames are captured at which exposure settings, allowing flexible adaptation to varying scene conditions while maintaining high overall frame rates.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional sensors capture at low frame rates to achieve high resolution, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the video output smoothness and HDR performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by capturing frames at high frame rates with different exposure settings interleaved in sequence. This continuous capture at high frame rates ensures smooth video output while the alternating exposure settings maintain manufacturing simplicity. The system processes frames continuously without interruption, merging them to achieve HDR效果.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system captures multiple frames at different exposures to achieve HDR, then the dynamic range is improved, but the processing complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing captured frames into different exposure groups before merging. The system prepares and tags frames with their exposure settings in advance, so that when HDR processing is needed, the appropriate frames are already identified and ready for merging. This reduces real-time processing complexity while maintaining high dynamic range output.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional algorithms capture consecutive frames at two different exposures, then HDR performance is achieved, but the frame rate is reduced due to requiring each frame to have two different exposure settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between different exposure settings in a regular pattern (first exposure frame, second exposure frame, first exposure frame, etc.). This periodic switching allows the system to capture both exposure types at high frame rates without requiring each individual frame to contain both exposures, thereby maintaining high overall frame rates while achieving HDR performance through the interleaved sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing images by an information handling system includes receiving image data including first frames captured using a first exposure at a first frame rate and second frames captured using a second exposure at a second frame rate. The first frame rate is greater than the second frame rate. The method includes merging each second frame of the second frames with each first frame of a corresponding plurality of the first frames to generate a corresponding plurality of merged frames. Each merged frame of the corresponding plurality of merged frames may have a dynamic range of tonal values greater than each dynamic range of tonal values of each frame merged to form the merged frame.