Patent ID: 8248481
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of combining a plurality of images taken at different integration periods into a single combined image, the method comprising: determining a base pixel signal value for each pixel location, wherein the base pixel signal value is a pixel signal value from one of the plurality of images which has the longest integration period without being saturated for the particular pixel location; detecting whether motion exists at each pixel location between the images; and removing a motion image artifact from the combined image by replacing the base pixel signal value with a replacement pixel signal value for pixel locations for which motion is detected, wherein motion is detected at a particular pixel location by determining if a difference between the replacement pixel signal value and the base pixel signal value is less than a non-zero motion detection threshold and wherein the replacement pixel signal value is a pixel signal value at a same location as the base pixel signal value in an image having a shorter integration period than that of the base pixel signal value.