Reference frame selection for multi-frame image processing pipelines and other applications

A method comprising:

• obtaining, using at least one processing device of an electronic device, multiple image frames captured during a multi-frame capture operation;
• determining, using the at least one processing device, that two or more of the multiple image frames are available for selection as a reference frame, the two or more image frames associated with at least two different exposure levels;
• determining, using the at least one processing device, whether a moving saturated region is present in the two or more image frames;
• in response to determining that the moving saturated region is present, selecting, using the at least one processing device, an image frame from among the two or more image frames having a first exposure level;
• and
• in response to determining that the moving saturated region is not present, selecting, using the at least one processing device, an image frame from among the two or more image frames having a second exposure level, the second exposure level longer than the first exposure level.

A non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that when executed cause at least one processor to:

• obtain multiple image frames captured during a multi-frame capture operation;
• determine that two or more of the multiple image frames are available for selection as a reference frame, the two or more image frames associated with at least two different exposure levels;
• determine whether a moving saturated region is present in the two or more image frames;
• in response to determining that the moving saturated region is present, select an image frame from among the two or more image frames having a first exposure level;
• and
• in response to determining that the moving saturated region is not present, select an image frame from among the two or more image frames having a second exposure level, the second exposure level longer than the first exposure level.