Multi-Focus HDR Imaging Using Dual-Gain Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth synthesis methods require multiple development processes and alignment steps due to varying exposures and image magnification changes, leading to inefficiencies and potential alignment failures, especially when using HDR images.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a Dual Gain Output (DGO) image sensor that captures two images with different gains in a single exposure, allowing for efficient generation of a depth synthetic image with a wide dynamic range by reducing the need for alignment and minimizing development steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple images are captured while changing focus position for depth synthesis, then depth of field is improved, but alignment complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing images at multiple focus positions before performing alignment and synthesis. The focus position is changed to capture a first image, then changed again to capture a second image, preparing the image data in advance for subsequent alignment processing to generate a pan-focus image with extended depth of field
2Illumination intensity
If HDR images are used for depth synthesis, then dynamic range is improved, but number of development steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the depth synthesis process with the HDR imaging process by capturing images at different focus positions using a dual-gain image sensor that simultaneously captures both low-gain and high-gain images in a single exposure. This combines multiple development steps into one unified process, reducing total development time while achieving both extended depth of field and wide dynamic range
3Illumination intensity
If exposure is changed for each focus position, then dynamic range is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image capture process into multiple focus positions, capturing images at each position with consistent exposure settings. By maintaining fixed exposure across different focus positions, the patent enables accurate alignment through consistent luminance while still achieving extended depth of field through the multi-focus synthesis process
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus capable of generating a depth synthetic image with a wide dynamic range efficiently. The image capturing apparatus including a changing unit that changes a focus position, an image capturing unit that obtains images with different exposures by one exposure at each focus position, and a synthesis unit that generates a depth synthetic image having a wider dynamic range and a deeper depth of field than the images obtained by the image capturing unit using the images obtained by the image capturing unit.