Patent ID: 8159579
Filing Date: 2012-04-17
Classification: G06T,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of obtaining video image data using a digital imaging sensor comprising a picture element array of rows and columns, the method comprising: using a plurality of picture elements in the picture element array to capture light corresponding to a first image at a first exposure level; using the plurality of picture elements in the picture element array to capture light corresponding to a second image at a second exposure level different than the first exposure level; converting the light captured by the plurality of picture elements for the first image to digital measurements; and converting the light captured by the plurality of picture elements for the second image to digital measurements, wherein individual picture elements complete capturing the light corresponding to the first image prior to when those individual picture elements begin to capture the light corresponding to the second image, further wherein the step of using the plurality of picture elements in the picture element array to capture light corresponding to the second image at the second exposure level begins prior to the completion of the step of converting the light captured by the plurality of picture elements for the first image to digital measurements, further wherein the step of converting the light captured by the plurality of picture elements for the first image to digital measurements substantially completes prior to the beginning of the step of converting light captured by the plurality of picture elements for the second image to digital measurements, further wherein the amount of time that elapses from between when the step of capturing the light corresponding to the first image completes to when the step of capturing the light corresponding to the second image completes is greater than the amount of time from between completing readout of a first of the picture elements for the first image to completing readout of substantially all of the picture elements for the first image, and further wherein first and second images are captured for a plurality of video frames to create a first track of first images and to create a second track of second images, where combined images are created for the plurality of video frames.