Region-Based Exposure Control for Dynamic Image Capturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors in image capturing apparatuses, such as digital cameras, have a limited dynamic range, leading to issues like underexposure and overexposure when capturing scenes with wide dynamic ranges, and existing methods for adjusting exposure conditions are inadequate in handling subject movement and luminance changes.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus that includes an image capturing unit, an acquisition unit for luminance information, a calculation unit for change information, and a determination unit to adjust exposure conditions for each region based on calculated change information and luminance data, allowing for dynamic exposure adjustments during image capturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exposure conditions are adjusted based on preliminary image capturing, then overexposure due to subject movement is reduced, but time delay between preliminary and main capturing causes underexposure/overexposure in dynamic scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image capturing to obtain initial luminance information before main image capturing, using this preliminary data to determine exposure conditions that prevent overexposure when subjects move into brighter areas during the capture sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates change information by comparing luminance data from preliminary and main capturing, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust exposure conditions for subsequent frames, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing scene conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If region-based exposure control is implemented, then luminance variations across different image regions are handled better, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing plane is divided into multiple regions, with independent exposure conditions applied to each region based on its specific luminance characteristics, allowing precise control of exposure in different areas of the image
Solution Approach 2:
Different exposure conditions are assigned to different regions of the image based on local luminance requirements, with boundary regions receiving specially adjusted exposure settings to prevent overexposure when subjects move between regions
3Manufacturing precision
If exposure conditions are optimized for static scenes, then image quality is high, but performance degrades when subjects move between regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static exposure conditions to dynamic exposure control by continuously calculating change information between frames and adjusting exposure settings in real-time based on detected subject movement and luminance changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs rapid successive image capturing operations with continuously updated exposure conditions, skipping the traditional preliminary-m main capture sequence and instead maintaining continuous adaptation to moving subjects through fast successive frames
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to set an exposure condition for each of regions on an image capturing plane and capture an image, an acquisition unit configured to acquire luminance information about each of the regions in the image captured by the image capturing unit, a calculation unit configured to calculate change information about an image to be acquired in next image capturing, and a determination unit configured to determine an exposure condition for the image capturing unit in the next image capturing for each of the regions based on the change information calculated by the calculation unit and the luminance information about each of the regions acquired by the acquisition unit.