Wide Dynamic Range Image Capturing Apparatus with Parallel Memory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wide dynamic range image capturing apparatuses produce discontinuous signal levels in high-contrast images, leading to decreased image quality due to saturation and underexposure issues.
Innovation Solution
A wide dynamic range image capturing apparatus that includes an image capturing device with varying electric charge accumulation periods, a preprocess block for adjustments, a memory control block for data management, and an image combining block for processing two frames to generate combined image data, optimizing tone characteristics and performing luminance and color signal processing to reduce saturation and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If images are captured with different electric charge accumulation periods and combined, then the dynamic range is enlarged, but discontinuous portions are generated in high-contrast images resulting in decreased image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by smoothly transitioning the electric charge accumulation period between different capture conditions rather than abruptly switching between fixed periods. This gradual parameter adjustment prevents discontinuities in the combined image while maintaining the expanded dynamic range benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamics by making the electric charge accumulation period variable and continuously adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the accumulation period based on scene conditions, enabling smooth transitions that eliminate discontinuous portions while preserving wide dynamic range coverage.
2Reliability
If the electric charge accumulation period is switched between 1/1000 seconds and 1/120 seconds, then overexposure and underexposure are avoided, but a discontinuous portion is generated in the signal level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-planning smooth transitions between different electric charge accumulation periods. The system prepares for accumulated period changes in advance, ensuring that transitions are gradual and maintain signal level continuity while still achieving proper exposure across different brightness conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary approach by using intermediate accumulation period values between the extreme settings of 1/1000 seconds and 1/120 seconds. This intermediary strategy creates smooth transitions that bridge the gap between different exposure conditions, maintaining signal continuity while preserving exposure accuracy.
3Productivity
If multiple processes are performed in parallel in the memory control block, then the processing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the parallel processing tasks into distinct, well-defined segments: writing current frame data, reading previous frame data, and writing combined image data. This segmentation organizes the complex parallel operations into manageable units, improving processing efficiency while making the control logic more systematic and less chaotic.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies universality by designing the memory control block to handle multiple functions through a unified parallel processing architecture. The same control mechanisms manage writing, reading, and combining operations simultaneously, reducing overall control complexity compared to having separate dedicated control circuits for each function.
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
The apparatus achieves continuous signal levels across a wide dynamic range, enhancing image quality by minimizing saturation and noise, and allows automatic switching between normal and wide dynamic range capturing based on motion and highlight detection, resulting in natural and high-quality moving images.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing device for capturing image data having an electric charge accumulation period varying every a frame
Data Source
AI summary
A memory control block performs in parallel a process of writing a current frame of image data captured by an image capturing device into a system shared memory, a process of reading out a previous frame of image data stored in the system shared memory, and a process of writing combined image data generated in an image combining block into the system shared memory.