Pixel Data Operations Using Hardwired Logic for Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional digital photography systems are limited by the dynamic range of image sensors, leading to suboptimal image capture, especially in scenes with varying lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize hardwired logic elements within the camera's circuitry to identify and adjust pixel data aspects such as exposure, white balance, and focus, repeating operations until predetermined requirements are met, ensuring optimal image capture by adjusting parameters like ISO and exposure time based on histogram analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional digital photography systems use standard image sensors, then the system structure remains simple, but the dynamic range is limited and image quality deteriorates in varying lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple independently controllable regions, each capable of capturing images at different exposure levels. This segmentation allows the system to capture both bright and dark areas simultaneously without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic exposure control where different regions of the pixel array can independently adjust their exposure parameters. The system dynamically switches between single-exposure and multi-exposure modes based on scene requirements, and dynamically allocates different regions to different exposure levels to optimize dynamic range capture.
2Reliability
If multiple exposures are captured and merged to achieve HDR, then dynamic range is improved, but processing time and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple exposure levels simultaneously in a single shot through region-based differential exposure. The pixel array is pre-configured with different exposure settings for different regions, eliminating the need for sequential captures and subsequent alignment processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the pixel array with different exposure configurations within a single sensor chip. Each region acts as an independent copy capturing the same scene at different exposure levels, allowing parallel data acquisition without temporal delays.
3Reliability
If region-based differential exposure is implemented, then dynamic range is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where a single controller manages multiple exposure regions through unified exposure control logic. The same control mechanisms and processing pipelines handle both single-exposure and multi-exposure modes, as well as different regional exposure configurations, without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for performing operations on pixel data. In use, pixel data is received. Next, a first aspect of the pixel data is identified, utilizing a hardwired logic element of the circuitry. Additionally, an operation is performed in connection with the first aspect of the pixel data, utilizing the hardwired logic element of the circuitry and a result of the operation is fed back. Further, at least one of the performing or the feeding back is repeated until the result of the operation satisfies a predetermined requirement. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented.