Methods and apparatus for true high dynamic range imaging
US9615038B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/773
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
When imaging bright objects, a conventional detector array can saturate, making it difficult to produce an image with a dynamic range that equals the scene's dynamic range. Conversely, a digital focal plane array (DFPA) with one or more m-bit counters can produce an image whose dynamic range is greater than the native dynamic range. In one example, the DFPA acquires a first image over a relatively brief integration period at a relatively low gain setting. The DFPA then acquires a second image over longer integration period and/or a higher gain setting. During this second integration period, counters may roll over, possibly several times, to capture a residue modulus 2m of the number of counts (as opposed to the actual number of counts). A processor in or coupled to the DFPA generates a high-dynamic range image based on the first image and the residues modulus 2m.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.