Reconstruction of high contrast images for dynamic scenes

High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging requires one to composite multiple, differently exposed images of a scene in the irradiance domain and perform tone mapping of the generated HDR image for displaying on Low Dynamic Range (LDR) devices. In the case of dynamic scenes, standard techniques may introduce artifacts called ghosts if the scene changes are not accounted for. In this paper, we consider the blind HDR problem for dynamic scenes. We develop a novel bottom-up segmentation algorithm through superpixel grouping which enables us to detect scene changes. We then employ a piecewise patch-based compositing methodology in the gradient domain to directly generate the ghost-free LDR image of the dynamic scene. Being a blind method, the primary advantage of our approach is that we do not assume any knowledge of camera response function and exposure settings while preserving the contrast even in the non-stationary regions of the scene. We compare the results of our approach for both static and dynamic scenes with that of the state-of-the-art techniques.     

Single‐shot High Dynamic Range Imaging Using Coded Electronic Shutter

Typical high dynamic range (HDR) imaging approaches based on multiple images have difficulties in handling moving objects and camera shakes, suffering from the ghosting effect and the loss of sharpness in the output HDR image. While there exist a variety of solutions for resolving such limitations, most of the existing algorithms are susceptible to complex motions, saturation, and occlusions. In this paper, we propose an HDR imaging approach using the coded electronic shutter which can capture a scene with row‐wise varying exposures in a single image. Our approach enables a direct extension of the dynamic range of the captured image without using multiple images, by photometrically calibrating rows with different exposures. Due to the concurrent capture of multiple exposures, misalignments of moving objects are naturally avoided with significant reduction in the ghosting effect. To handle the issues with under‐/over‐exposure, noise, and blurs, we present a coherent HDR imaging process where the problems are resolved one by one at each step. Experimental results with real photographs, captured using a coded electronic shutter, demonstrate that our method produces a high quality HDR images without the ghosting and blur artifacts.     

Robust artifact-free high dynamic range imaging of dynamic scenes

The irradiance range of the real-world scene is often beyond the capability of digital cameras. Therefore, High Dynamic Range (HDR) images can be generated by fusing images with different exposure of the same scene. However, moving objects pose the most severe problem in the HDR imaging, leading to the annoying ghost artifacts in the fused image. In this paper, we present a novel HDR technique to address the moving objects problem. Since the input low dynamic range (LDR) images captured by a camera act as static linear related backgrounds with moving objects during each individual exposures, we formulate the detection of foreground moving objects as a rank minimization problem. Meanwhile, in order to eliminate the image blurring caused by background slightly change of LDR images, we further rectify the background by employing the irradiances alignment. Experiments on image sequences show that the proposed algorithm performs significant gains in synthesized HDR image quality compare to state-of-the-art methods.

     

基于相机阵列的高动态范围图像合成方法

针对传统的高动态范围图像合成方法不能适应动态光照的问题, 提出了基于相机阵列的不同曝光的多幅图像的配准及高动态范围图像合成方法。首先利用相机阵列获取不同曝光图像, 结合相机阵列标定参数, 采用光场合成孔径理论对图像进行配准, 并对配准后的图像作中值位图进行二次配准。根据拟合出的各相机的光照响应曲线, 进而将二次配准后的不同曝光的图像合成为一幅高动态范围图像。实验表明, 该方法可以有效地在动态光照下合成高动态范围图像, 取得了不错的效果。     

Split Aperture Imaging for High Dynamic Range

Most imaging sensors have limited dynamic range and hence are sensitive to only a part of the illumination range present in a natural scene. The dynamic range can be improved by acquiring multiple images of the same scene under different exposure settings and then combining them. In this paper, we describe a camera design for simultaneously acquiring multiple images. The cross-section of the incoming beam from a scene point is partitioned into as many parts as the required number of images. This is done by splitting the aperture into multiple parts and directing the beam exiting from each in a different direction using an assembly of mirrors. A sensor is placed in the path of each beam and exposure of each sensor is controlled either by appropriately setting its exposure parameter, or by splitting the incoming beam unevenly. The resulting multiple exposure images are used to construct a high dynamic range image. We have implemented a video-rate camera based on this design and the results obtained are presented.     

Generalized Mosaicing: High Dynamic Range in a Wide Field of View

We present an approach that significantly enhances the capabilities of traditional image mosaicking. The key observation is that as a camera moves, it senses each scene point multiple times. We rigidly attach to the camera an optical filter with spatially varying properties, so that multiple measurements are obtained for each scene point under different optical settings. Fusing the data captured in the multiple images yields an image mosaic that includes additional information about the scene. We refer to this approach as generalized mosaicing. In this paper we show that this approach can significantly extend the optical dynamic range of any given imaging system by exploiting vignetting effects. We derive the optimal vignetting configuration and implement it using an external filter with spatially varying transmittance. We also derive efficient scene sampling conditions as well as ways to self calibrate the vignetting effects. Maximum likelihood is used for image registration and fusion. In an experiment we mounted such a filter on a standard 8-bit video camera, to obtain an image panorama with dynamic range comparable to imaging with a 16-bit camera.     

Aerial full spherical HDR imaging and display

This paper describes a framework for aerial imaging of high dynamic range (HDR) scenes for use in virtual reality applications, such as immersive panorama applications and photorealistic superimposition of virtual objects using image-based lighting. We propose a complete and practical system to acquire full spherical HDR images from the sky, using two omnidirectional cameras mounted above and below an unmanned aircraft. The HDR images are generated by combining multiple omnidirectional images captured with different exposures controlled automatically. Our system consists of methods for image completion, alignment, and color correction, as well as a novel approach for automatic exposure control, which selects optimal exposure so as to avoid banding artifacts. Experimental results indicated that our system generated better spherical images compared to an ordinary spherical image completion system in terms of naturalness and accuracy. In addition to proposing an imaging method, we have carried out an experiment about display methods for aerial HDR immersive panoramas utilizing spherical images acquired by the proposed system. The experiment demonstrated HDR imaging is beneficial to immersive panorama using an HMD, in addition to ordinary uses of HDR images.     

不同曝光值图像的直接融合方法

提出了一种直接从同一场景多次不同曝光值下成像的LDR(low dynamic range)图像序列中提取每个像素位置最佳成像信息的图像融合方法,可以在无需任何拍摄相机参数及场景先验信息的情况下,快速合成适合在常规设备上显示的HDR(high dynamic range)图像.该方法利用特殊设计的鲁棒性曲线拟合算法建立LDR图像序列中每个像素位置像素值曲线的数学模型,并由此给出评价单个像素成像时曝光合适程度的标准和融合最佳成像像素信息的方法.对不同场景的大量实验结果显示,该方法的计算结果与传统HDR成像技术经过复杂的HDR重建和色调映射计算后得到的结果相当,但具有更高的计算效率,并同时对图像噪声、相机微小移动和运动目标的影响具有较好的鲁棒性.     

Camera and visual veiling glare in HDR images

Abstract— High‐dynamic‐range (HDR) images are superior to conventional images. The experiments in this paper measure camera and human responses to calibrated HDR test targets. We calibrated a 4.3‐log‐unit test target, with minimal and maximal glare from a changeable surround. Glare is an uncontrolled spread of an image‐dependent fraction of scene luminance in cameras and in the eye. We use this standard test target to measure the range of luminances that can be captured on a camera's image plane. Further, we measure the appearance of these test luminance patches. We discuss why HDR is better than conventional imaging, despite the fact the reproduction of luminance is inaccurate.     

Method for HDR-like imaging using industrial digital cameras

Dynamic range of the scene can be significantly wider than the dynamic range of an image because of limitations of A/D conversion. In such a situation, numerous details of the scene cannot be adequately shown on the image. Standard industrial digital cameras are equipped with an auto-exposure function that automatically sets both the aperture value and cameras exposure time. When measuring a scene with atypical distribution of light and dark elements, the indicated auto-exposure time may not be optimal. The aim of work was to improve, with minimal cost, the performance of standard industrial digital cameras. We propose a low complexity method for creating HDR-like image using three images captured with different exposure times. The proposed method consists of three algorithms: (1) algorithm for estimating whether the auto-exposure time is optimal, (2) algorithm which determines exposure times for two additional images (one with shorter and another with longer than auto-exposure time), and (3) algorithm for HDR-like imaging based on fusion of three previously obtained images. Method is implemented on FPGA inserted into standard industrial digital camera. Results show that the proposed approach produces high quality HDR-like scene-mapped 8-bit images with minimal computational cost. All improvements may be noticed through the performance evaluation.

     

基于灰度级映射函数建模的多曝光高动态图像重建

为解决传统多曝光图像融合的实时性和动态场景鬼影消除问题,提出了基于灰度级映射函数建模的多曝光高动态图像重建算法。对任意大小的低动态范围（Low dynamic range,LDR）图像序列,仅需拟合与灰阶数目相同个数而不是与相机分辨率个数相同的视觉适应的S形曲线,利用最佳成像值判别方法直接融合,提高了算法的融合效率,能够达到实时性图像融合要求。对动态场景的融合,设计灰度级映射关系恢复理想状态的多曝光图像,利用差分法检测运动目标区域,作鬼影消除处理,融合得到一幅能够反映真实场景信息且不受鬼影影响的高动态范围图像。     

Flexible depth of field photography

The range of scene depths that appear focused in an image is known as the depth of field (DOF). Conventional cameras are limited by a fundamental trade-off between depth of field and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For a dark scene, the aperture of the lens must be opened up to maintain SNR, which causes the DOF to reduce. Also, today's cameras have DOFs that correspond to a single slab that is perpendicular to the optical axis. In this paper, we present an imaging system that enables one to control the DOF in new and powerful ways. Our approach is to vary the position and/or orientation of the image detector during the integration time of a single photograph. Even when the detector motion is very small (tens of microns), a large range of scene depths (several meters) is captured, both in and out of focus. Our prototype camera uses a micro-actuator to translate the detector along the optical axis during image integration. Using this device, we demonstrate four applications of flexible DOF. First, we describe extended DOF where a large depth range is captured with a very wide aperture (low noise) but with nearly depth-independent defocus blur. Deconvolving a captured image with a single blur kernel gives an image with extended DOF and high SNR. Next, we show the capture of images with discontinuous DOFs. For instance, near and far objects can be imaged with sharpness, while objects in between are severely blurred. Third, we show that our camera can capture images with tilted DOFs (Scheimpflug imaging) without tilting the image detector. Finally, we demonstrate how our camera can be used to realize nonplanar DOFs. We believe flexible DOF imaging can open a new creative dimension in photography and lead to new capabilities in scientific imaging, vision, and graphics.     

融合事件相机的视觉场景识别

目的 传统视觉场景识别（visual place recognition,VPR）算法的性能依赖光学图像的成像质量,因此高速和高动态范围场景导致的图像质量下降会进一步影响视觉场景识别算法的性能。针对此问题,提出一种融合事件相机的视觉场景识别算法,利用事件相机的低延时和高动态范围的特性,提升视觉场景识别算法在高速和高动态范围等极端场景下的识别性能。方法 本文提出的方法首先使用图像特征提取模块提取质量良好的参考图像的特征,然后使用多模态特征融合模块提取查询图像及其曝光区间事件信息的多模态融合特征,最后通过特征匹配查找与查询图像最相似的参考图像。结果 在MVSEC（multi-vehicle stereo event camera dataset）和RobotCar两个数据集上的实验表明,本文方法对比现有视觉场景识别算法在高速和高动态范围场景下具有明显优势。在高速高动态范围场景下,本文方法在MVSEC数据集上相较对比算法最优值在召回率与精度上分别提升5.39%和8.55%,在Robot‐Car数据集上相较对比算法最优值在召回率与精度上分别提升3.36%与4.41%。结论 本文提出了融合事件相机的视觉场景识别算法,利用了事件相机在高速和高动态范围场景的成像优势,有效提升了视觉场景识别算法在高速和高动态范围场景下的场景识别性能。     

一个稳健的用于HDR图像的相机响应函数标定算法

在Mitsunaga和Nayar给出的多项式模型的基础上,增加了图像亮度为0映射到场景亮度也为0的限制条件,并改进了迭代结束条件,所得到的新的标定算法可以使用多张不同曝光度的图像来标定相机响应函数,不同曝光度可以通过改变相机的光圈大小和曝光时间长短来得到.文中所述算法可以自动估计并最后求得精确的曝光度比,省略了原有算法需要输入曝光度比估计值的步骤.算法得到了相机响应函数后,可用多张不同曝光度的图像合成高动态范围的图像.和原有算法相比,此算法的稳健性得到了很大提高,实验表明它对所选的所有输入图像都能收敛,并且得到最优解.     

Convolutional Sparse Coding for High Dynamic Range Imaging

Current HDR acquisition techniques are based on either (i) fusing multibracketed, low dynamic range (LDR) images, (ii) modifying existing hardware and capturing different exposures simultaneously with multiple sensors, or (iii) reconstructing a single image with spatially‐varying pixel exposures. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to recover high‐quality HDRI images from a single, coded exposure. The proposed reconstruction method builds on recently‐introduced ideas of convolutional sparse coding (CSC); this paper demonstrates how to make CSC practical for HDR imaging. We demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves higher‐quality reconstructions than alternative methods, we evaluate optical coding schemes, analyze algorithmic parameters, and build a prototype coded HDR camera that demonstrates the utility of convolutional sparse HDRI coding with a custom hardware platform.     

Reinterpretable Imager: Towards Variable Post‐Capture Space,Angle and Time Resolution in Photography

We describe a novel multiplexing approach to achieve tradeoffs in space, angle and time resolution in photography. We explore the problem of mapping useful subsets of time‐varying 4D lightfields in a single snapshot. Our design is based on using a dynamic mask in the aperture and a static mask close to the sensor. The key idea is to exploit scene‐specific redundancy along spatial, angular and temporal dimensions and to provide a programmable or variable resolution tradeoff among these dimensions. This allows a user to reinterpret the single captured photo as either a high spatial resolution image, a refocusable image stack or a video for different parts of the scene in post‐processing. A lightfield camera or a video camera forces a‐priori choice in space‐angle‐time resolution. We demonstrate a single prototype which provides flexible post‐capture abilities not possible using either a single‐shot lightfield camera or a multi‐frame video camera. We show several novel results including digital refocusing on objects moving in depth and capturing multiple facial expressions in a single photo.     

基于一致性敏感哈希块匹配的HDR图像去伪影融合方法

高动态范围(High dynamic range, HDR)图像成像技术的出现, 为解决由于采集设备动态范围不足而导致现有数字图像动态范围有限的问题提供了一条切实可行的思路.合成高动态范围图像的过程中因相机抖动或运动物体所造成的模糊和伪影问题, 可通过块匹配对多曝光图像序列进行去伪影融合加以解决.但对于具有复杂运动变化的真实场景, 现有的去伪影融合方法准确度和效率仍存在不足.为此, 本文结合相机响应函数和一致性敏感哈希提出了一种高动态图像去伪影融合方法.仿真结果表明, 该方法有效降低了计算复杂度, 具有较好的鲁棒性, 在有效去除伪影的同时提升了高动态范围图像质量.     

Appearance-Cloning: Photo-Consistent Scene Recovery from Multi-View Images

This paper introduces the novel volumetric methodology “appearance-cloning” as a viable solution for achieving a more improved photo-consistent scene recovery, including a greatly enhanced geometric recovery performance, from a set of photographs taken at arbitrarily distributed multiple camera viewpoints. We do so while solving many of the problems associated with previous stereo-based and volumetric methodologies. We redesign the photo-consistency decision problem of individual voxel in volumetric space as the photo-consistent shape search problem in image space, by generalizing the concept of the point correspondence search between two images in stereo-based approach, within a volumetric framework. In detail, we introduce a self-constrained greedy-style optimization methodology, which iteratively searches a more photo-consistent shape based on the probabilistic shape photo-consistency measure, by using the probabilistic competition between candidate shapes. Our new measure is designed to bring back the probabilistic photo-consistency of a shape by comparing the appearances captured from multiple cameras with those rendered from that shape using the per-pixel Maxwell model in image space. Through various scene recoveries experiments including specular and dynamic scenes, we demonstrate that if sufficient appearances are given enough to reflect scene characteristics, our appearance-cloning approach can successfully recover both the geometry and photometry information of a scene without any kind of scene-dependent algorithm tuning.     

Target based image fusion using multi-scale feature selection in three regions

Image captured by low dynamic range (LDR) camera fails to capture entire exposure level of scene, and instead only covers certain range of exposures. In order to cover entire exposure level in single image, bracketed exposure LDR images are combined. The range of exposures in different images results in information loss in certain regions. These regions need to be addressed and based on this motive a novel methodology of layer based fusion is proposed to generate high dynamic range image. High and low-frequency layers are formed by dividing each image based on pixel intensity variations. The regions are identified based on information loss section created in differently exposed images. High-frequency layers are combined using region based fusion with Dense SIFT which is used as activity level testing measure. Low-frequency layers are combined using weighted sum. Finally combined high and low-frequency layers are merged together on pixel to pixel basis to synthesize fused image. Objective analysis is performed to compare the quality of proposed method with state-of-the-art. The measures indicate superiority of the proposed method.

     

High-dynamic-range still-image encoding in JPEG 2000

The raw size of a high-dynamic-range (HDR) image brings about problems in storage and transmission. Many bytes are wasted in data redundancy and perceptually unimportant information. To address this problem, researchers have proposed some preliminary algorithms to compress the data, like RGBE/XYZE, OpenEXR, LogLuv, and so on. HDR images can have a dynamic range of more than four orders of magnitude while conventional 8-bit images retain only two orders of magnitude of the dynamic range. This distinction between an HDR image and a conventional image leads to difficulties in using most existing image compressors. JPEG 2000 supports up to 16-bit integer data, so it can already provide image compression for most HDR images. In this article, we propose a JPEG 2000-based lossy image compression scheme for HDR images of all dynamic ranges. We show how to fit HDR encoding into a JPEG 2000 encoder to meet the HDR encoding requirement. To achieve the goal of minimum error in the logarithm domain, we map the logarithm of each pixel value into integer values and then send the results to a JPEG 2000 encoder. Our approach is basically a wavelet-based HDR still-image encoding method.