Robust automatic exposure control using embedded data

摘要

A method, system, and article provide robust automatic exposure control using embedded data.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method of automatic exposure control, comprising:
receiving embedded exposure parameter data used to capture image data for a plurality of frames and embedded in a data stream with image data; obtaining convergence plan data of a plurality of target exposure parameter values forming at least part of an exposure convergence plan, wherein the convergence plan data provides data to form a targeted gradual variation of brightness along a sequence of frames with changes in brightness from a start frame to an end frame with a target brightness, and comprising at least one intermediate frame, wherein the brightness changes from frame to frame; determining an extra digital gain calculated by using both the embedded exposure parameter data for a frame of the sequence of frames, and a corresponding target exposure parameter of the exposure convergence plan; and providing the extra digital gain for image processing to display, store, and/or encode the frame of the sequence of frames; wherein the exposure convergence plan is a second exposure convergence plan, the method comprising:
generating a first exposure convergence plan to provide a smooth change in brightness along a sequence of frames wherein the first exposure convergence plan comprises target exposure parameters or target total exposures or both;updating the second exposure convergence plan with new target exposure parameters or new target total exposures from the first exposure convergence plan; andusing the second convergence plan to calculate the extra digital gain; wherein the first exposure convergence plan comprises exposure data developed by calculating total exposures for two frames spaced from each other along the sequence, and interpolating the total exposures for frames between the two frames.