Wide dynamic range using monochromatic sensor
US9509917B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2209/042
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A digital imaging method for use with an endoscope in ambient light deficient environments is disclosed. In an implementation, the method may include illuminating the environment with pulsed electromagnetic radiation and sensing differing exposures of reflected electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method may further include receiving image data from the pixel array that corresponds to the differing exposures. The method may include creating exposed frames from the image data, where each frame corresponds with a different exposure. The method may further include emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation during a blanking period. The method may further include creating a display frame from the exposed frames. The method may further include creating a stream of images by sequentially combining display frames taken using the differing exposures to provide increased dynamic range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.