Single-Image HDR Processing via Exposure Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high dynamic range (HDR) image processing techniques require multiple images taken at different exposure values, leading to increased memory usage and decreased processing speed, and are prone to ghost images due to camera movement.

Innovation Solution

An image processing method that adjusts the exposure value and contrast of a single image using a camera unit, image processing unit, and storage unit, generating multiple images with different algorithms and weight arrays to simulate a high dynamic range image in real-time, avoiding the need for multiple exposures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple images with different exposure values are captured to achieve high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but memory usage increases and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidmemory usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the exposure parameter of a single captured image through digital processing to simulate multiple exposure values. The image processing unit adjusts the exposure parameter to generate first, second, and third images with different exposure characteristics from one original image, thereby achieving high dynamic range effect without capturing multiple images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple processed copies (first image, second image, third image) from a single captured image through digital processing. These copies have different exposure parameters and are fused together to produce the final high dynamic range image, replacing the need to capture and store multiple original images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Illumination intensity

If multiple images with different exposure values are captured to achieve high dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the exposure parameter of a single captured image through digital processing to simulate multiple exposure values. The image processing unit adjusts the exposure parameter to generate first, second, and third images with different exposure characteristics from one original image, thereby achieving high dynamic range effect without capturing multiple images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple processed copies (first image, second image, third image) from a single captured image through digital processing. These copies have different exposure parameters and are fused together to produce the final high dynamic range image, replacing the need to capture and store multiple original images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Illumination intensity

If multiple images are captured at different exposure values at different time points, then the dynamic range is improved, but image completeness deteriorates due to camera movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidimage completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing on a single captured image by adjusting its exposure parameter to generate multiple processed images with different exposure characteristics. This preliminary action is taken before any fusion process, ensuring all processed images are derived from the same original capture and thus maintain perfect alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple processed copies (first image, second image, third image) from a single captured image through digital processing. These copies have different exposure parameters and are fused together to produce the final high dynamic range image, replacing the need to capture and store multiple original images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9473716B2Image processing method and image processing device

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

An image processing device includes a camera unit, a control unit, an image processing unit and a storage unit. The camera unit obtains a first image. The control unit coupled to the camera unit adjusts an exposure value of the camera unit to control an average luminance value of the dark part of the first image and a contrast value of the first image. The storage unit is coupled to the control unit. The image processing unit is coupled to the camera unit and the storage unit, and it generates a second image according to the first image and a first algorithm stored in the storage unit, and generates a third image according to the first image and a second algorithm stored in the storage unit. The image processing unit generates a fourth image according to luminance values of the first image, the second image and the third image.