Method and apparatus for obtaining high dynamic range images
A system for obtaining a relatively high dynamic range image of a scene is disclosed, using a relatively low dynamic range image sensor. An array of image sensors each has a preset sensitivity level in accordance with a predetermined sensitivity pattern for the array, and a respective response function, producing a captured image brightness value at a corresponding first pixel positions of a pixel position array in response to light from the scene. A captured image memory stores captured image brightness for the pixels, and a first pixel position generator provides the pixel positions of the pixel position array. A sensitivity pattern memory stores data indicative of the sensitivity level corresponding to each one of the first pixel positions of the pixel position array.; A response function compensator receives pixel positions from the first pixel position generator, sensitivity level data and captured image brightness values, and being responsive to a pixel position received from the first pixel position generator compensates the captured image brightness value at the received pixel position by the inverse of the response function of a light-sensing element having the sensitivity level corresponding to the received pixel position to provide a compensated brightness value at the pixel position received from the first pixel position generator. A compensated on-grid brightness value memory stores respective compensated captured image values at the pixel positions received from the first pixel position generator and a second pixel position generator provides further pixel positions of the pixel position array.; An on-grid brightness value generator derives an output image brightness value at each received pixel position from the compensated captured image brightness values and an output image memory stores the respective output image brightness value at each pixel position received from the second pixel position generator.Patents:
EP 2,290,950
Inventor(s): NAYAR SHREE [US]; MITSUNAGA TOMOO [JP]
Type of Offer: Licensing
« More Media Patents