Wide-Angle Image Exposure Control via Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses struggle to accurately evaluate the brightness of wide-angle images, such as omnidirectional images, leading to suboptimal exposure conditions and partial image deterioration, especially when capturing scenes with varying orientations and lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus divides the wide-angle image into multiple regions, performing photometry on each to obtain specific photometric results, which are then used to control exposure based on the calculated values, ensuring optimal exposure for the entire image capturing range regardless of orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scene determination is performed on a predetermined region of an omnidirectional image and local image processing is applied, then image processing according to scenes can be performed, but partial deterioration of the image becomes discernible and the method requires regions with good S/N ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional image is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different photometric priorities. This segmentation allows selective photometry on specific regions while avoiding regions with poor S/N ratio, thus maintaining both measurement precision and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different photometric processing strategies are applied to different regions of the omnidirectional image. The first region receives priority photometric processing while the third region is excluded from photometry due to poor S/N ratio. This local differentiation ensures optimal photometric performance where possible while avoiding image deterioration in problematic regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of image capturing means are used to capture omnidirectional images, then wide-angle imaging capability is achieved, but exposure varies depending on the orientation of the image capturing apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing system is divided into multiple image capturing means (first, second, third), each responsible for specific regions. By segmenting the omnidirectional capture into discrete units with defined photometric priorities, the system achieves wide-angle capability while maintaining consistent exposure through coordinated photometry of the first region across all capturing means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs photometry on the first region of each captured image and uses this photometric information to control exposure for subsequent captures. This feedback mechanism ensures exposure consistency across multiple image capturing means regardless of their orientation, as each unit references the photometric data from the prioritized first region.
3Ease of operation
If photometry is performed only in respective image capturing ranges of individual image capturing means, then each unit can operate independently, but the brightness of the entire wide image capturing range cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
Each image capturing means is designed to perform dual functions: capturing images in its specific range and contributing photometric data from the first region to the overall exposure control system. This multi-functionality allows independent operation while enabling comprehensive brightness evaluation across the entire omnidirectional range.
Solution Approach 2:
The photometric results from the first region of each image capturing means are merged and combined to determine the overall exposure conditions for the omnidirectional image. This merging allows the system to evaluate the brightness of the entire wide image capturing range while maintaining the operational independence of individual capturing units.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing device, a photometry unit; and an exposure control unit, wherein, when a wide-angle image is acquired, the photometry unit divides the wide-angle image into a plurality of regions, and acquires a first photometric result of a first photometric region and a second photometric result of a second photometric region, the first photometric region and the second photometric region being obtained by bringing adjacent predetermined regions together, when a wide-angle image is acquired, the exposure control unit controls an exposure based on at least the first photometric result and the second photometric result, and the first photometric region is constituted by a region included in the second photometric region and a region that is not included in the second photometric region.