Multi-element Image Sensor for High-Contrast Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras with CMOS or CCD image sensing elements have a limited dynamic range, leading to overexposure issues in high-contrast environments, resulting in loss of image details, which is not acceptable for high-quality images.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera with multiple image sensing elements and a control module that allows users to select specific areas and set correction parameters, enabling independent exposure control for each area, allowing for improved exposure adjustment and image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple pictures are taken with different exposure values and synthesized using advanced image processing software, then image details in high-contrast environments can be preserved, but the operation becomes complicated and requires rich experience and technical background
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensing module is divided into multiple independent image sensing elements (N pieces), each capable of capturing image signals independently. This segmentation allows different areas of the scene to be captured with different exposure parameters simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple shots and complex post-processing synthesis while preserving image details in high-contrast environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of exposure parameters for different image sensing elements based on the specific scene requirements. The control module allows users to set different exposure values, shutter speeds, and aperture settings for different areas, enabling adaptive exposure adjustment that simplifies operation while maintaining high image quality in high-contrast conditions
2Device complexity
If conventional image sensing elements with limited dynamic range are used, then the device complexity remains low, but overexposure occurs in high-contrast environments leading to loss of image details
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensing module is divided into multiple independent image sensing elements (N pieces), each capable of capturing image signals independently. This segmentation allows different areas of the scene to be captured with different exposure parameters simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple shots and complex post-processing synthesis while preserving image details in high-contrast environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the exposure parameters (exposure value, shutter speed, aperture) for different image sensing elements to match the dynamic range requirements of different scene areas. This parameter adjustment allows the system to handle high-contrast scenes effectively without requiring fundamentally different sensing elements, thus maintaining relative structural simplicity while improving image quality
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 users to easily manage high contrast in images by obtaining images with better exposure balance, enhancing image quality without requiring complex image processing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensing elements can be respectively a CCD or a CMOS for receiving external light and converting the received light into an image
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The digital camera includes an image sensing module, a display, an operating element, and a control module. The image sensing module consists of N pieces of image sensing elements. The display is used to show a first image. The operating element is used by a user to select a specific area in the first image and set correction parameters for the specific area. The control module is connected to the image sensing module and the display for obtaining information about a position of the specific area relative to the first image and the correction parameters, and uses the obtained position information and the correction parameters to control M pieces of the image sensing elements in the image sensing module corresponding to the specific area, so that a second image is obtained based on the correction parameters.