Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing apparatus, the method including: generating a blurry image by using a maximum telephoto image among N (where N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) live view images; generating an alpha map by using two or more images of the N live view images; and generating a soft focus image by combining the maximum telephoto image and the blurry image by using the alpha map.

Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing apparatus, the method including: generating a blurry image by using a maximum telephoto image among N (where N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) live view images; generating an alpha map by using two or more images of the N live view images; and generating a soft focus image by combining the maximum telephoto image and the blurry image by using the alpha map.

Abstract: A wide dynamic range image sensor method combines the response of high-gain sensing cells and low-gain sensing cells with better linearity than the prior art. A search is made in successive central regions within the response curve of the high-gain and low-gain cells to find a highest slope linear fit. This highest slope and the corresponding offset are used in mixing the high-gain and low-gain responses to achieve a wide dynamic range.

Abstract: Methods for contrast enhancement of digital images are provided. A method of adaptive histogram equalization is provided that determines weighting factors for discriminating between sub-regions of a digital image to be more enhanced or less enhanced. Another method for content adaptive local histogram equalization is provided that uses a mapping function in which the dynamic range is not changed by the transformation. A third method for contrast enhancement is provided that includes dividing a digital image into a plurality of regions of pixels, and for each region in the plurality of regions, determining a threshold gray level for the region, generating a mapping curve for the region based on the threshold gray level, and applying the generated mapping curve to each pixel in the region to enhance contrast.

Abstract: A wide dynamic range image sensor method combines the response of high-gain sensing cells and low-gain sensing cells with better linearity than the prior art. A search is made in successive central regions within the response curve of the high-gain and low-gain cells to find a highest slope linear fit. This highest slope and the corresponding offset are used in mixing the high-gain and low-gain responses to achieve a wide dynamic range.

Abstract: The mixing of high-gain and low-gain outputs of a wide dynamic range image sensor uses relationship parameter estimation according to linear regression; and the mixed output is adaptively filtered for noise gap reduction.