Image Capture Apparatus for Seamless Panoramic HDR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating panoramic images with a wide dynamic range require complex procedures, such as fixing the camera and adjusting angles, and often result in brightness differences at the borders between coupled images due to varying exposure conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus and method that determine optimal exposure conditions for each area of the image capturing unit, allowing for the seamless coupling and composition of images to create a panoramic image with an extended dynamic range without brightness differences, using a digital camera with angular velocity sensors and photometric sensors to adjust exposure settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plurality of images are shot in the same angle using HDR composition, then an image with wide dynamic range is generated, but the camera must be fixed on a tripod and shooting procedures become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing unit is divided into a plurality of areas, and exposure conditions are determined separately for each area. This allows different parts of the image to be captured with optimized exposure settings simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple shots and tripod fixation while maintaining HDR quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from capturing images at different angles (temporal sequence) to capturing different areas simultaneously with different exposure conditions (spatial parallelism). This dimensional shift in the shooting approach simplifies operation while achieving the same HDR effect.
2Reliability
If images are shot under different exposure conditions and coupled, then wide dynamic range is achieved, but brightness differences remain at the borders between coupled images
Solution Approach 1:
Exposure conditions are optimized for each specific area of the image capturing unit. By determining exposure conditions locally for each area rather than globally for the entire sensor, the patent achieves uniform brightness across coupled images while maintaining wide dynamic range coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple images captured simultaneously under different exposure conditions are merged by area coupling. The determination unit coordinates exposure settings across all areas, and the composition unit combines them seamlessly, eliminating border brightness differences while achieving HDR效果.
3Reliability
If multiple images are captured and composed to generate panoramic images, then extended dynamic range is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing unit is segmented into multiple areas that can capture different exposure conditions simultaneously. This parallel capture approach replaces sequential shooting, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining extended dynamic range in the final panoramic image.
Solution Approach 2:
Exposure conditions for all areas are determined in advance before actual image capture. This preliminary determination of exposure settings allows all images to be captured simultaneously without requiring post-capture adjustment or re-shooting, enhancing shooting efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus that couples a plurality of images so as to generate a composite image, comprises an image capturing unit which captures images of an object; a determination unit which determines, for each of a plurality of areas into which light receiving portions of the image capturing unit are separated, an exposure condition under which the image capturing unit is exposed; a first composition unit which couples to one another, area by area, the plurality of images that were shot under the exposure condition determined for each area by the determination unit, so as to generate a first plurality of composite images; and a second composition unit which composes the first plurality of composite images generated by the first composition unit so as to generate a single second composite image that has an extended dynamic range.