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US 11,082,627 B2Granted
Wide dynamic range using monochromatic sensor
AssigneeDePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
InventorsLaurent Blanquart, John Richardson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for widening dynamic range within an image in a light deficient environment.
Claims24
An imaging method for use with an image sensor having a pixel array, the pixel array having a first subset of pixels and a second subset of pixels, the imaging method comprising:
- illuminating an environment with electromagnetic radiation;
- sensing electromagnetic radiation reflected from the environment with the pixel array of the image sensor during a frame capture period, wherein the frame capture period comprises pixel read out of a last optical black row of a first frame, pixel read out of first optical black row of a second frame, and a blanking period between the first frame and the second frame;
- commencing a plurality of integration periods within the frame capture period, the plurality of integration periods comprising:
- a first integration period for the first subset of pixels, wherein the first subset of pixels is exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the first integration period;
- and
- a second integration period for the second subset of pixels, wherein the second subset of pixels is exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the second integration period;
- pulsing electromagnetic radiation during the plurality of integration periods;
- and
- wherein the first integration period is longer than the second integration period such that the first subset of pixels has a longer exposure time to the pulsed electromagnetic radiation than the second subset of pixels.
6 more elements
A system for digital imaging in a light deficient environment comprising:
- an emitter that emits a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation for providing illumination to the light deficient environment;
- an image sensor that comprises a pixel array that has a first subset of pixels and a second subset of pixels, wherein the image sensor is sensitive to the plurality of electromagnetic pulses and creates image data therefrom during a frame capture period;
- wherein the frame capture period comprises pixel read out of a last optical black row of a first frame, pixel read out of first optical black row of a second frame, and a blanking period between the first frame and the second frame;
- a controller that executes a plurality of integration periods during the frame capture period, the plurality of integration periods comprising:
- a first integration period for the first subset of pixels, wherein the first subset of pixels is exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the first integration period;
- and
- a second integration period for the second subset of pixels, wherein the second subset of pixels is exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the second integration period;
- wherein the electromagnetic radiation is pulsed during the plurality of integration periods;
- and
- wherein the first integration period is longer than the second integration period such that the first subset of pixels has a longer exposure time to the pulsed electromagnetic radiation than the second subset of pixels.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.