Multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range

A method, comprising:

• capturing, by a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene, a first image of the scene;
• capturing, by a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene, a second image of the scene,
• wherein the second image sensor captures the second image of the scene via a neutral-density filter, and
• wherein the second range of luminance levels includes luminance levels that are higher than the first range of luminance levels;
• identifying, by a processor coupled to the first image sensor and the second image sensor, a first object of a first object type in the first image,
• wherein the first object type has an expected luminance within the first range of luminance levels;
• and
• identifying, by the processor, a second object of a second object type in the second image,
• wherein the second object type has an expected luminance within the second range of luminance levels.

A non-transitory, computer-readable medium with instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, comprise:

• receiving, from a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene, a first image of the scene,
• wherein the first image of the scene was captured by the first image sensor;
• receiving, from a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene, a second image of the scene,
• wherein the second image of the scene was captured by the second image sensor via a neutral-density filter, and
• wherein the second range of luminance levels includes luminance levels that are higher than the first range of luminance levels;
• identifying a first object of a first object type in the first image,
• wherein the first object type has an expected luminance within the first range of luminance levels;
• and
• identifying a second object of a second object type in the second image,
• wherein the second object type has an expected luminance within the second range of luminance levels.