Pixelated Programmable Neutral Density Filter Array for Single-Exposure HDR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for capturing high dynamic range (HDR) images require multiple exposures at different times, leading to alignment issues and potential image artifacts when combining these images.
Innovation Solution
A camera system equipped with a pixelated programmable neutral density filter array, where a device receives a first image, configures the filter settings based on the image, and captures a second image with the filters attenuating light accordingly, allowing for HDR image generation with a single exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple exposures at different times are used to capture HDR images, then the dynamic range can be extended, but alignment issues and image artifacts occur when combining these images
Solution Approach 1:
The filter array is divided into multiple independently controllable filters, each corresponding to a specific pixel. This allows different regions of the image to be captured with different exposure levels simultaneously, enabling HDR imaging without the alignment problems of multi-exposure methods
Solution Approach 2:
The filters in the array are programmably adjustable, allowing dynamic control of light attenuation for each pixel independently. This enables the system to adapt exposure settings per pixel during a single exposure, capturing HDR images without requiring multiple separate exposures
2Illumination intensity
If multiple images are captured and combined to generate HDR images, then dynamic range is improved, but computing resources are consumed for alignment and combination
Solution Approach 1:
The filter settings are configured in advance based on an analysis of the first image, allowing the second image to be captured with optimal exposure settings for HDR content. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for post-capture alignment and combination operations
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple exposure levels are merged into a single capture operation by using different filters in the array simultaneously, each optimized for different brightness ranges. This combines the benefits of multi-exposure HDR with the simplicity of single-exposure capture
3Illumination intensity
If conventional ND filters are used, then light intensity is reduced, but the filters cannot be programmably adjusted for different images
Solution Approach 1:
The ND filters are replaced with programmable filters that can be dynamically adjusted for each pixel based on the image content. This allows the system to adapt to different lighting conditions and capture requirements without physical filter changes
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the filters are changed programmably, allowing adjustable attenuation levels for each pixel. This parameter control enables the same physical array to serve multiple imaging purposes and adapt to different scenes
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
This approach enables the generation of HDR images without overexposure or underexposure, prevents image artifacts associated with multiple exposures, and conserves computing resources by eliminating the need to align and combine multiple images.
Implementation Method 1
a pixelated programmable neutral density filter array... wherein the filters of the filter array are configured to individually and programmably attenuate light
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, a device may receive, from a pixel array of a camera, a first image. The device may configure, based at least in part on the first image, a setting of a filter. The filter may be included within a filter array that is arranged within the camera in association with the pixel array. The device may cause the pixel array to capture a second image. Numerous other aspects are described.