Pseudo-Random Sensor Array for High Dynamic Range Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high dynamic range imaging techniques face challenges such as artifacts due to motion, increased cost and complexity, reduced resolution, and difficulty in color correction, particularly when capturing scenes with high dynamic ranges using standard sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array with pseudo-randomly ordered pixels and circuits of distinct sensitivities, combined with advanced image reconstruction algorithms like dictionary learning and l1/TV minimization, allows for accurate high dynamic range image capture and reconstruction from a single exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sequential exposures are used to capture high dynamic range images, then the dynamic range is extended, but motion artifacts and registration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple pixel types with different sensitivities (standard pixels, dual gain pixels, and logarithmic pixels), allowing simultaneous capture of multiple exposure levels in a single shot, thereby eliminating motion artifacts while extending dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal dimension (multiple sequential exposures) to spatial dimension (multiple pixel types with different sensitivities arranged in the sensor array), enabling HDR capture without temporal separation and thus avoiding motion-related registration issues
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensor arrays with different sensitivities are used, then dynamic range is extended, but cost, size, weight, and power increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor arrays with different sensitivities are merged into a single integrated sensor chip, where standard pixels, dual gain pixels, and logarithmic pixels coexist on the same substrate, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining extended dynamic range capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array achieves multi-functionality by incorporating pixels with different sensitivities and response characteristics in a single device, allowing it to capture both bright and dark scene details simultaneously without requiring separate specialized sensors
3Measurement precision
If multiple size pixels are used to capture multiple images with different exposures, then dynamic range is extended, but resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different pixel types (standard, dual gain, logarithmic) are strategically distributed across the sensor array, with each pixel type optimized for specific local conditions, allowing high-resolution capture across the entire scene while maintaining extended dynamic range through local sensitivity variations
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 high-quality, high-resolution images with low cost, high speed, and improved dynamic range by leveraging sparsity and pseudo-random sampling, reducing artifacts and increasing reconstruction accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A distinct circuit is associated with each pixel in the sensor array. The plurality of circuits are designed such that across the plurality of circuits, there are a plurality of distinct sensitivities to irradiance from a scene to be captured
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system has a sensor array with a plurality of pixels. A distinct circuit is associated with each pixel in the sensor array. The circuits are designed such that across the plurality of circuits, there are a plurality of distinct sensitivities to irradiance from a scene to be captured which are spatially pseudo-randomly ordered relative to each other. The image processing system also comprises an image reconstruction algorithm. A method is also disclosed.