Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).

Abstract: An imaging method comprises acquiring image data in which image components are spatially modulated at distinct spatial frequencies, transforming the image data into the Fourier domain and separating the image components in the Fourier domain. The image components may be transformed into the spatial domain. The image components may comprise different colors. In some embodiments saturated pixels are reconstructed by performing an optimization based on differences between image copies in the Fourier domain. Imaging apparatus may perform the imaging methods.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may be applied to reconstruct pixel values in saturated regions of an image. Saturated regions are identified and hues for pixels in the saturated regions are estimated based on hues in boundaries of the saturated regions. Gradients for pixel values in saturated color channels within the saturated region may be estimated based on known gradients for non-saturated color channels. Reconstructed pixel values may be derived from the estimated gradients. The methods and apparatus may be applied in conjunction with dynamic range expansion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).

Abstract: A method for estimating an effective luminance pattern representing a distribution of projected light in a display apparatus involves determining driving values for one or more light sources arranged to project light. The light sources are solid-state light sources such as light-emitting diodes in some embodiments. The method determines an effective luminance pattern for the projected light by determining contributions to the effective luminance pattern for different components of a point spread function and then combining the contributions of the components the effective luminance pattern to yield an estimated effective luminance pattern.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a flat screen device displays a 3D scene. The 3D display may be viewed by a person who is not wearing any special glasses. The flat screen device displays dynamically changing 3D imagery, with a refresh rate so fast that the device may be used for 3D movies or for interactive, 3D display. The flat screen device comprises a stack of LCD layers with two crossed polarization filters, one filter at each end of the stack. One or more processors control the voltage at each pixel of each LCD layer, in order to control the polarization state rotation induced in light at that pixel. The processor employs an algorithm that models each LCD layer as a spatially-controllable polarization rotator, rather than a conventional spatial light modulator that directly attenuates light. Color display is achieved using field sequential color illumination with monochromatic LCDs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.

Abstract: A camera has two distinct image sensor arrays. The image sensor arrays are at least one of different types and different resolutions. The image sensor arrays have different dynamic ranges such that one of the image sensor arrays is a high dynamic range image sensor array configured to capture a wider range of light intensity than the other of the image sensor arrays. The camera has an imaging mechanism configured to combine information collected by each of the image sensor arrays to produce a high dynamic range image. The image sensor arrays include one low resolution image sensor array having a high dynamic range, and one high resolution image sensor array having a normal dynamic range smaller than the high dynamic range wherein luminance values within the normal dynamic range represent a subset of luminance values within the high dynamic range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).

Abstract: A method, computer-usable medium and a system for varying an incoming light field are disclosed. Embodiments provide mechanisms for performing image processing on an incoming light field using a spatial light modulator which is adjusted based upon characteristics of the incoming light field. The spatial light modulator may be positioned between the viewed scene and the eye, and therefore, may be semi-transparent. The image processing may consist of tone mapping, color enhancement, beautification, edge enhancement, spectral separation of colors, spectral separation of metamers, object emphasis, other image processing, or some combination thereof. Additionally, embodiments compensate for parallax errors by adjusting the spatial light modulator based upon the position of an observer with respect to the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A dual modulator display has a first array of pixels that illuminates a second array of pixels with a pattern of light. The second array of pixels modulates the pattern of light to yield an image. A method for determining control values for pixels of the first array of pixels begins with an initial set of control values and refines the control values. The control values may be refined one at a time. Images may be displayed in real time.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises two or more image sensor arrays. At least one of the image sensor arrays has a high dynamic range. The camera also comprises a shutter for selectively allowing light to reach the two or more image sensor arrays, readout circuitry for selectively reading out pixel data from the image sensor arrays, and, a controller configured to control the shutter and the readout circuitry. The controller comprises a processor and a memory having computer-readable code embodied therein which, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to open the shutter for an image capture period to allow the two or more image sensor arrays to capture pixel data, and, read out pixel data from the two or more image sensor arrays.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a flat screen device displays a 3D scene. The 3D display may be viewed by a person who is not wearing any special glasses. The flat screen device displays dynamically changing 3D imagery, with a refresh rate so fast that the device may be used for 3D movies or for interactive, 3D display. The flat screen device comprises a stack of LCD layers with two crossed polarization filters, one filter at each end of the stack. One or more processors control the voltage at each pixel of each LCD layer, in order to control the polarization state rotation induced in light at that pixel. The processor employs an algorithm that models each LCD layer as a spatially-controllable polarization rotator, rather than a conventional spatial light modulator that directly attenuates light. Color display is achieved using field sequential color illumination with monochromatic LCDs.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises two or more image sensor arrays. At least one of the image sensor arrays has a high dynamic range. The camera also comprises a shutter for selectively allowing light to reach the two or more image sensor arrays, readout circuitry for selectively reading out pixel data from the image sensor arrays, and, a controller configured to control the shutter and the readout circuitry. The controller comprises a processor and a memory having computer-readable code embodied therein which, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to open the shutter for an image capture period to allow the two or more image sensor arrays to capture pixel data, and, read out pixel data from the two or more image sensor arrays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may be applied to reconstruct pixel values in saturated regions of an image. Saturated regions are identified and hues for pixels in the saturated regions are estimated based on hues in boundaries of the saturated regions. Gradients for pixel values in saturated color channels within the saturated region may be estimated based on known gradients for non-saturated color channels. Reconstructed pixel values may be derived from the estimated gradients. The methods and apparatus may be applied in conjunction with dynamic range expansion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises two or more image sensor arrays. At least one of the image sensor arrays has a high dynamic range. The camera also comprises a shutter for selectively allowing light to reach the two or more image sensor arrays, readout circuitry for selectively reading out pixel data from the image sensor arrays, and, a controller configured to control the shutter and the readout circuitry. The controller comprises a processor and a memory having computer-readable code embodied therein which, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to open the shutter for an image capture period to allow the two or more image sensor arrays to capture pixel data, and, read out pixel data from the two or more image sensor arrays.