Multi-Sensor Camera for High Dynamic Range Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image formats and devices struggle to capture high dynamic range images due to limited contrast ratios, requiring multiple exposures that need to be aligned, often necessitating the use of a tripod and requiring significant knowledge of exposure settings.
Innovation Solution
An electronic camera equipped with multiple image sensor arrays, including at least one with high dynamic range, allows simultaneous capture of multiple exposures, which are then combined to produce high dynamic range image data using a controller and readout circuitry to manage the image capture and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured at different exposure levels to obtain HDR image data, then the contrast ratio representation is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to the need for alignment and exposure setting knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image sensor arrays with different dynamic range characteristics into a single camera system. The first image sensor array captures highlights while the second captures shadows, and both are combined in a single device to produce HDR images, eliminating the need for separate capture and alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image capture function across multiple specialized sensor arrays within one camera. Each sensor array is optimized for specific exposure ranges (one for highlights, one for shadows), allowing simultaneous capture of different exposure levels without requiring post-capture alignment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured at different exposure levels to obtain HDR image data, then the contrast ratio representation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring significant knowledge of exposure settings
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-service by automatically managing the complex exposure settings and sensor coordination. The controller automatically activates the appropriate sensor arrays and combines their outputs, eliminating the need for user knowledge of exposure settings while maintaining high HDR quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system provides multi-functionality by integrating both standard dynamic range and high dynamic range capture capabilities in a single device. This universal approach allows the camera to automatically handle various shooting conditions without requiring users to understand or adjust complex exposure parameters.
3Device complexity
If conventional image formats with 8-bit per colour are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the contrast ratio representation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining data from multiple sensor arrays with different dynamic range characteristics. This composite imaging method produces HDR images that effectively extend the contrast ratio representation beyond what single 8-bit or even 16-bit formats can achieve alone.
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 easy acquisition of high dynamic range images without the need for complex alignment or extensive user knowledge, allowing for seamless production of HDR images with improved contrast ratios.
Implementation Method 1
two or more image sensor arrays... capture pixel data
Data Source
AI summary
A camera has two distinct image sensor arrays. The image sensor arrays are at least one of different types and different resolutions. The image sensor arrays have different dynamic ranges such that one of the image sensor arrays is a high dynamic range image sensor array configured to capture a wider range of light intensity than the other of the image sensor arrays. The camera has an imaging mechanism configured to combine information collected by each of the image sensor arrays to produce a high dynamic range image. The image sensor arrays include one low resolution image sensor array having a high dynamic range, and one high resolution image sensor array having a normal dynamic range smaller than the high dynamic range wherein luminance values within the normal dynamic range represent a subset of luminance values within the high dynamic range.