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Image pickup method and apparatus, and image processing method and apparatus for adapting to synthesize a plurality of images

  • US 7,202,892 B1
  • Filed: 12/20/1999
  • Issued: 04/10/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An image pickup method of synthesizing a plurality of images acquired by sensing an object under different exposure conditions to produce a single image excellent in gradation reproducibility, the method comprising the steps of:

  • sensing an object under different exposure conditions to acquire a plurality of images;

    calculating a pixel value for each of the plurality of images;

    multiplying the pixel value obtained at the calculating step by a factor set based on the exposure condition to calculate a positive value compensation amount;

    compensating the levels of the plurality of images on the basis of the exposure conditions under which they have been sensed respectively, to provide a plurality of compensated images by subtracting the positive value compensation amount from each image;

    said positive valued compensation amount being calculated by multiplying a level average of each image of a coefficient based on the corresponding exposure condition;

    said coefficient being selected for each image based on the exposure condition of that image;

    synthesizing the plurality of compensated images to produce a single synthetic image having a wide dynamic range; and

    compressing the synthetic image to an extent depending upon the performance of its output destination to produce a compressed image.

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