Multi-Terminal HDR Photography With Synchronized Frame Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-frame processing algorithms on terminals are limited by computing performance, leading to unsatisfactory image definition, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio in photographed images, and methods like HDR imaging face challenges such as ghost images and limited exposure ratios.

Innovation Solution

A photographing method utilizing multiple terminals for synchronized multi-frame fusion processing, including depth image detection and HDR image generation, where a master apparatus controls slave apparatuses to synchronize visual fields and exposure ratios, enhancing image quality without increasing hardware cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multi-frame processing algorithms are used on a single terminal, then image integration is achieved, but image definition, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio remain unsatisfactory due to limited computing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage definitionVSAvoidcomputing performance limitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the multi-frame processing system into multiple independent terminals, each capturing images independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing across devices, overcoming the computing performance limitations of a single terminal while maintaining or improving image definition through synchronized multi-terminal fusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-terminal multi-frame processing to multi-terminal synchronous processing, adding the dimension of spatial distribution across multiple devices. This dimensional change enables parallel computation and data fusion, significantly improving image definition, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio beyond what a single terminal can achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If HDR imaging is performed with multiple exposure ratios, then dynamic range is improved, but ghost images appear due to scene changes between exposures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidghost images
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs synchronous periodic capture of multiple exposure frames across multiple terminals simultaneously. By coordinating the exposure timing periodically and synchronously across devices, the system captures scene information at identical moments, eliminating ghost images caused by scene changes while maintaining improved dynamic range through multi-exposure fusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements synchronization mechanisms where terminals exchange timing and exposure information in real-time. This feedback loop ensures all terminals capture images at precisely coordinated moments with matching exposure ratios, preventing ghost images while achieving enhanced dynamic range through the fusion of synchronously captured multi-exposure data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple terminals are used for synchronous photographing, then image quality and dynamic range are enhanced, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a master terminal that acts as an intermediary to coordinate synchronization signals, exposure ratios, and timing information across multiple slave terminals. This intermediary approach simplifies the coordination complexity by centralizing control while still enabling multi-terminal synchronous operation to achieve enhanced image quality and dynamic range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the terminal system with universal communication and synchronization protocols that can be implemented across different device types. This multi-functionality allows various terminals to participate in synchronous photographing with standardized coordination mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining improved image quality through multi-terminal fusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4369728B1Photographing method and device
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4369728B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4369728B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4369728B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A photographing method includes: in response to determining that a processing condition for multi-frame photographing is met, acquiring (S 101) images from one or more second photographing apparatuses respectively to obtain a plurality of frames of images; and performing (S102) multi-frame fusion processing on the plurality of frames of images to obtain a photographed image.