Patent ID: 7561731

Claim:
A system for producing a stereo disparity map representing an imaged subject, the system comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to produce a first plurality of images according to a first exposure level for the plurality of sensors; a disparity processing component that is configured to generate a first stereo disparity map from the first plurality of images; a system control configured to select a second exposure level for the plurality of sensors according to an exposure selection algorithm if the stereo disparity map contains an unacceptable amount of dark or saturated pixels, direct the plurality of sensors to produce a second plurality of images, and direct the disparity processing component to generate a second stereo disparity map from the second plurality of images; and an image merger that is configured to merge the first stereo disparity map and the second stereo disparity map, the merger of the first stereo disparity map and the second stereo disparity map being performed as to produce a composite stereo disparity map having an increased dynamic range.