Multi-lens exposure control for stereo imaging saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiple lens imaging apparatuses face challenges in setting exposure values for multiple imaging units, leading to image saturation issues due to differences in light amounts between units, resulting in uncomfortable stereo or panoramic images, with existing methods either increasing complexity or failing to ensure appropriate exposure for all units.
Innovation Solution
A multiple lens imaging apparatus with an exposure setting unit that calculates exposure values based on photometric measurements for a main imaging unit and adjusts sub-imaging units, designating a new main unit if saturation occurs, and recalculates exposure values using different methods or photometric approaches to prevent image saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exposure value is determined based on comparison of exposure values between imaging units, then exposure can be set for multiple imaging units, but the configuration becomes complex and the apparatus becomes larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exposure control functions of multiple imaging units into a single centralized exposure determination unit. This unit calculates a common exposure value that is applied to all imaging units, eliminating the need for each unit to have independent exposure calculation capabilities. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable exposure settings across all units.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure determination unit serves as a universal component that handles exposure settings for all imaging units simultaneously. Rather than having dedicated exposure control mechanisms for each imaging unit, a single multi-functional unit determines exposure values that are then applied universally across the entire multiple lens imaging apparatus.
2Device complexity
If exposure value set for one imaging unit is used for other imaging units, then the apparatus can be prevented from becoming large in size, but the calculated exposure value is not necessarily appropriate for the other imaging unit, causing saturated areas in images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each imaging unit to have its own photometric measurement capabilities while using a centralized exposure determination. The exposure value is determined based on photometric measurements from the specific imaging unit's own sensor characteristics, ensuring that the exposure setting is locally optimized for each unit's specific optical and sensor properties rather than using a generic universal value.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts exposure parameters based on photometric measurements taken by each imaging unit. The exposure determination unit receives photometric data from individual units and modifies exposure parameters accordingly, allowing the same apparatus to adapt exposure settings to match the specific characteristics of different imaging units while maintaining a compact design.
3Reliability
If each imaging unit calculates exposure value independently, then appropriate exposure can be set for each unit, but the configuration becomes complex and the apparatus becomes larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary exposure determination unit that acts as a mediator between the photometric measurements of individual imaging units and the final exposure settings. Each imaging unit performs photometric measurement, but rather than independently calculating exposure values, the measurements are passed to the central exposure determination unit which synthesizes the information and determines the final exposure value, simplifying the overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the exposure control function into two distinct parts: photometric measurement performed by each imaging unit's sensor, and exposure value determination performed by a centralized unit. This segmentation allows each imaging unit to maintain simple measurement capabilities while the complex determination logic is centralized, reducing overall configuration complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
When an exposure value calculated according to a result of photometric measurement for predetermined main imaging units among a plurality of imaging units is used for setting exposure of the main imaging units and sub-imaging units other than the main imaging units, judgment is carried out as to whether an image or images obtained in photography with the sub-imaging units by setting the exposure thereof according to the exposure value is/are saturated. In the case where a result of the judgment is affirmative, any one of the sub-imaging units having obtained the saturated image or images is designated as new main imaging units. The exposure value is calculated newly, and the exposure is set for the new main imaging units and for new sub-imaging units other than the new main imaging units.