×

Method and system for generating images used in extended range panorama composition

  • US 20040100565A1
  • Filed: 11/22/2002
  • Published: 05/27/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2002
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of obtaining an extended dynamic range panorama image of a scene from a plurality of limited dynamic range images captured by an image sensor in a digital camera, said method comprising steps of:

  • (a) from a first position, capturing a first plurality of digital images comprising image pixels of the scene by exposing the image sensor to light transmitted from the scene as observed from the first position, wherein light transmittance upon the image sensor is adjustable;

    (b) evaluating each image after it is captured for an illumination level exceeding the limited dynamic range of the image at either a higher or a lower end of the dynamic range for at least some of the image pixels;

    (c) based on the evaluation of each image exceeding the limited dynamic range, adjusting the light transmittance upon the image sensor in order to obtain a subsequent digital image having a different scene brightness range;

    (d) storing the first plurality of digital images;

    (e) processing the stored digital images to generate a first composite image having an extended dynamic range greater than any of the digital images by themselves;

    (f) from a second position, capturing a second plurality of digital images comprising image pixels of the scene by exposing the image sensor to light transmitted from the scene as observed from the second position, and then repeating the steps (b) through (e) for the second plurality of images to generate a second composite image; and

    (g) processing the first and second composite images to generate an extended dynamic range panorama image.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×