WO2025148519A1

WO2025148519A1 - Methods for obtaining digital images in low-light conditions and imaging devices for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2025148519A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/132432
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jun Lu; Xingxing YI
Original assignee: Shenzhen Infinitech Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Infinitech Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-08
Filing date: 2024-11-15
Publication date: 2025-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-08
Also published as: WO2025151523A1

Abstract

An imaging device may comprise an optical lens; a sensor configured to convert light into one or more digital signals; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: determine a tonal distribution of luminescence and an average luminescence for the one or more digital signals, assign one or more RGB values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, assign one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, transform the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio, and convert the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image.

Description

METHODS FOR OBTAINING DIGITAL IMAGES IN LOW-LIGHT CONDITIONS AND IMAGING DEVICES FOR THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to methods and imaging devices for obtaining digital images, and more specifically to methods of obtaining digital images in low-light conditions, as well as imaging devices for the same.

BACKGROUND

The use of traditional imaging devices and digital imaging is often frustrated in pitch-black (0 lux to less than 0.001 lux) and low-light conditions (from 0.001 lux to 100 lux) , wherein the photograph or image is often not bright enough to make out the image in sufficient detail. Further, introducing an external source of light to add brightness may not be a preferred solution, as the external light source could alert the object being viewed, such as in the realm of scopes, binoculars, and security and wildlife cameras. Accordingly, night-vision optics is an area of considerable study to improve photographs/videos taken or images viewed in such circumstances without alerting the viewed object.

SUMMARY

Traditional night vision equipment utilizes optoelectronic image enhancement, in which infrared light is reflected off the viewed object and then amplified to generate an image, generating the characteristic glowing green or red-hued image. However, often desired are methods by which the image of the low-light object or scene is sufficiently bright and in full color, rather than the glowing green or red-hued image of infrared imaging devices. Further, desired are methods by which the image may be generated without an external/extra light source, irrespective of whether the light source is on the visible light or infrared spectra.

Gain is one method by which images in low-light conditions may be digitally enhanced and made sufficiently bright to enable interpretation. Gain control may amplify the average brightness of the object and/or scene, increasing the overall brightness of the tonal distribution and thus the final digital image. However, uncontrolled gain may also result in increased ‘graininess’ of the photo, reducing the clarity of the resulting digital image. Moreover, too little gain may result in a darkened image from which little interpretation may be made. The latter becomes especially problematic where little brightness is available in the first place, i.e. in low light conditions. Accordingly, a balance may need to be struck between the initial brightness of the image and the magnitude of the gain used, to result in a ‘best match’ for clarity of the resulting image to for a given initial brightness.

Embodiments herein accomplish the aforementioned goals by utilizing an imaging device with at least an optical lens, a sensor, a processor, and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to execute a process. The process may conduct a transformation of the digital image by utilizing a gain control with a bound lux to gain ratio, thereby resulting in a digital image with improved clarity over comparative imaging devices and algorithms. Further adjustments can be made to the gain control upon generating the digital image, resulting in an adjusted digital image with yet again improved clarity.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an imaging device may comprise: an optical lens configured to receive light from an object located downfield from the optical lens; a sensor configured to convert the received light into one or more digital signals; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: determine a tonal distribution of luminescence and an average luminescence for the one or more digital signals, assign one or more RGB values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, assign one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, transform the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio, and convert the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for obtaining digital images in low-light conditions may comprise: providing an imaging device comprising an optical lens configured to receive light; a sensor configured to convert the light into one or more digital signals; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor; receiving light from an object located downfield from the optical lens; converting the light into one or more digital signals; determining a tonal distribution of luminescence and an average luminescence for the one or more digital signals; assigning one or more RGB values (HUES) to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux; assigning one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux; transforming the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio; andconverting the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an imaging device according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts the imaging device of FIG. 1 from another viewpoint, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts the imaging device of FIGS. 1 and 2 from yet another viewpoint, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts one or more internal components of the imaging device of FIGS. 1-3, according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of obtaining digital images in low-light conditions, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and imaging devices for obtaining digital images, and more specifically to methods of obtaining digital images in low-light conditions, as well as imaging devices for the same.

As previously stated, embodiments herein are directed to imaging devices for obtaining digital images. As used herein, “imaging device” may refer to a variety of devices, including but not limited to binoculars, monoculars, cameras, video cameras, scopes, range-finders, and the like. For example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a imaging device 100 may comprise a housing 102 having a light-receiving end 104 and a displaying end 106, wherein the light-receiving end 104 may also be regarded as a “first end” and the displaying end 106 may also be regarded as a “second end” .

Now referring to FIG. 4, a depiction of one or more internal components of the imaging device 100 of FIGS. 1-3 is shown. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the imaging device 100 may further comprise an optical lens 108 positioned proximal the light-receiving end 104. The optical lens 108 may be configured to receive light from an object located downfield from the optical lens 108 and the light-receiving end 104. As used herein, “up-field” and “downfield” refer to the position of two locations or components along a light pathway with respect to a light source. For example, a first component is up-field from a second component if the first component is closer to the light source along the path traversed by the light beam than the second component. The optical lens 108 may also be further configured to manipulate the light to magnify a size of the object located downfield from the optical lens 108. In other words, the optical lens 108 may be a magnification lens.

As also depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the imaging device 100 may further comprise a sensor positioned downfield of the optical lens 108, i.e., in-between the optical lens 108 and the displaying end 106. The sensor may be optically coupled to the optical lens 108. The sensor may also be configured to convert the light received by the optical lens 108 into one or more electrical signals, i.e. the sensor may also be regarded as an “image sensor” . For example, and in embodiments, the sensor may comprise a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, although other sensors are possible and contemplated. The CMOS sensor may comprise a plurality of photosensitive pixels (photodiodes) , which may be arranged in an array. Without being limited by theory, when light photons contact the pixels, they are converted into an electrical charge that is interpreted by the CMOS sensor as an electrical signal.

The electrical signal may then be converted into a digital signal, wherein a tonal value (luminescence in lux) is assigned to each of the pixels. These tonal values may then be arranged into an image histogram, often referred to as a tonal distribution. In the tonal distribution, the range of tonal values is mapped on one axis whereas the frequency of the tonal value among the pixels is arranged on the other. In so doing, a relative measure of the luminescence (tonal value) of the scene (and resultant image) may be determined, wherein a concentration of luminescence values on the far end of the tonal values indicates a bright scene, and a concentration of luminescence values on the near end of the tonal values indicates a dark image relative to the scale chosen.

As used herein, luminescence values in the range of 0.001 lux to 100 lux indicate low-light conditions for image processing. Luminescence values below 0.001 lux to 0 lux indicate pitch-black conditions for image processing. Luminescence values above 100 lux generally indicate medium to well-lit conditions for image processing. In embodiments, the sensor may have a pixel count of at least 200 megapixels, such as from 200 to 400 megapixels.

In embodiments, the imaging device 100 may further comprise a shutter positioned between the optical lens 108 and the sensor. The shutter may be configured to be adjustable such that an exposure time of the sensor to the light may be varied.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, the imaging device 100 may further comprise a processor and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium positioned between the light-receiving end 104 and the displaying end 106. The processor may be in communication with the sensor and the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium. The processor may also be in communication with the shutter and may be operable to variably adjust the shutter such that the exposure time of the sensor to the light may be variable, as explained in further detail herein.

The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium may compriseone or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to execute a process to convert the one or more digital signals into a digital image. The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium may be configured to store the one or more electrical signals, the one or more digital signals, the digital image, or combinations thereof. Without being limited by theory, the processor, through the machine-readable instructions, may be configured to convert the one or more digital signals into a single digital image, i.e. a snapshot, or a continuous sequence of digital images, i.e. a video.

Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the imaging device 100 may further comprise a display 114. The display 114 may be in communication with the processor and may be configured to display the digital image generated by the processor. The display 114 may be an LED (light-emitting diode) screen, although other displays are possible and contemplated.

The imaging device 100 may also comprise one or more additional components. For example, and in embodiments, the imaging device 100 may further comprise a transceiver. The transceiver may be in communication with the processor, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium, or both and may be configured to transmit, by either wired or wireless means, a signal comprising the digital image. This signal may then be received by a second transceiver of a separate device, wherein the separate device may further comprise a second non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium, a second display, or both. The separate device may then store the digital image in the second non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium and/or display the digital image on the second display in a like manner to the imaging device 100, non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium, and the display 114. In so being configured, the imaging device 100 and the separate device may make up a system for obtaining digital images in low-light conditions. Without being limited by theory, the separate device may comprise any one of a number of electronic devices capable of displaying the image, including but not limited to printers, computers, smartphones, tablets, and the like.

As previously stated, the imaging device 100 may comprise one or more additional components. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging device 100 may include a rail 116 for mounting an additional component, such as but not limited to a battery pack, an infrared torch, a laser sight, or the like.

In certain embodiments, the imaging device 100 may not comprise certain components that may be included in comparative imaging devices 100. For example, and in certain embodiments, the imaging device 100 may not comprise, i.e., may not utilize, an external light source or components for thermal imaging, such as those for emitting visual light or infrared spectra. Likewise, methods 200 herein may not utilize an external light source or thermal image to generate the digital image.

As previously stated, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium may comprise one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to execute a process, with an initial step potentially being determining a tonal distribution of luminescence for the one or more digital signals. As previously stated, the sensor may convert the light received by the optical lens 108 into one or more electrical signals, which may then be converted into one or more digital signals. The digital signals may have an associated tonal value which may be mapped onto a tonal distribution of luminescence vs. frequency in the one or more digital signals.

The processor may be further configured to assign one or more RGB values (HUES) to the tonal distribution, such as the individual digital signals of the tonal distribution, upon determining that an average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, i.e. the average luminescence of the object is in low-light conditions. Similarly, the processor may also be further configured to assign one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution, such as the individual digital signals of the tonal distribution, upon determining that an average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, i.e. the average luminescence of the object is in low-light conditions. The assigning of the one or more RGB values and the one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution is based on correlation to a luminescence-adjusted color and saturation chart. However, if the average luminance of the tonal distribution is less than 0.001 lux, the processor may additionally or alternatively be configured to generate a black and white image.

In embodiments, the processor may be further configured to transform the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a lux to gain ratio. The lux to gain ratio, and thus the gain control, may be controlled by a pre-determined algorithm that may be executed by the processor. As previously stated, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium may store such an algorithm as part of the one or more programming instructions.

As previously referenced, and without being limited by theory, the gain control may amplify the brightness (i.e. luminescence) of each of the one or more data signals, increasing the overallbrightness of the tonal distribution and thus the final digital image. However, uncontrolled gain may also result in increased graininess of the photo, reducing the clarity of the resulting digital image. Moreover, too little gain may result in a darkened image from which little interpretation may be made. The latter becomes especially problematic where little brightness is available in the first place, i.e. in low light conditions. Accordingly, a balance may need to be struck between the initial brightness of the image and the magnitude of the gain used, to result in a ‘best match’ for clarity of the resulting image to for a given initial brightness. Consequently, and without being limited by theory, the first gain control being bound by a particular lux to gain ratio stored in the one or more programming instructions to offer the balance desired.

In embodiments, the processor may be further configured to adjust the exposure time of the light to the sensor, before, concurrently, or after adjusting the tonal distribution utilizing the first gain control. Without being limited by theory, uncontrolled increasing of the exposure time of the light to the sensor may not be desired due to the excess noise that may be generated during the same, particularly in low light conditions. “Noise” is typically understood as a random variation of image density that may be visible as grain in film and lack of pixel variation in digital images, commonly resulting in blurriness of the resulting digital image. Accordingly, in embodiments herein, the processor may be further configured to balance adjustments in exposure time with the gain control by the lux to gain ratio, resulting in a clearer image. For example, the balancing of the exposure time and the gain control may be controlled by a pre-determined algorithm that may be executed by the processor. As previously stated, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium may store such an algorithm as part of the one or more programming instructions.

In embodiments, the processor may also be further configured to convert the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image. However, in certain embodiments, the processor may be further configured to apply a median filter to the transformed tonal distribution prior to converting the transformed tonal distribution into the digital image. Without being limited by theory, applying a median filter to the transformed tonal distribution may remove outlier tonal values with the median of the tonal values surrounding the outlier tonal value, thereby removing noise from the digital image. This category of noise may also be commonly referred to as ‘salt-and-pepper noise’ ,

In embodiments of the imaging device 100 including the display 114, the processor may also be further configured to display the digital image on the display 114. In embodiments of the imaging device 100 including the transceiver, the processor may be further configured to transmit the digital image to a separate device utilizing the transceiver.

In embodiments, the processor may also be further configured to transform the tonal distribution utilizing a second gain control, such as upon determining the digital image does not have the desired clarity, brightness, or both. The second gain control may be bound by a second lux to gain ratio that is within 10 percent of the first lux to gain ratio, i.e. from 90%to 110%of the first lux to gain ratio. Accordingly, without being limited by theory, the tonal distribution, and thereby the resulting digital image, may be ‘fine-tuned’ for additional clarity past the initial gain control. After utilizing the second gain control, the processor may also be further configured to convert the transformed tonal distribution based on the second gain control into an adjusted digital image. In embodiments, the processor may be configured to repeat the aforementioned steps as many times as necessary, such as in an iterative manner, to generate the digital image with the desired clarity.

Now referring to FIG. 5, and as previously stated, embodiments herein may also include methods 200 for obtaining digital images in low-light conditions. The method 200 may comprise any of the steps/processes the processor is configures to conduct. The method 200 may comprise the initial step of providing an imaging device 100, which may be any of the imaging devices 100 hereinbefore described. The method 200 may then comprise converting the light that may be received from the optical lens 108 into one or more digital signals.

The method 200 may then comprise determining a tonal distribution of luminescence for the one or more digital signals. The method 200 may also comprise assigning one or more RGB values (HUES) to the tonal distribution and/or assigning one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux. However, in the event the average luminescence is determined to be less than 0.001 lux, the method 200 may further comprise generating a black and white image.

The method 200 may then comprise transforming the tonal distribution utilizing the first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio as previously described. The method 200 may also comprise, before, concurrently, or after adjusting the tonal distribution utilizing the first gain control, adjusting the exposure time of the light to the sensor and/or balancing the exposure time with the gain control, as previously described. Upon determining the digital image does not have the desired clarity, the method 200 may further comprise transforming the tonal distribution utilizing a second gain control, the second gain control bound by a second lux to gain ratio that is within 10 percent of the first lux to gain ratio. The method 200 may also optionally comprise conducting noise reduction on the transformed tonal distribution, such as by applying a median filter to the transformed tonal distribution prior to converting the transformed tonal distribution into the digital image, which may be conducted multiple times, such as in an iterative manner, until the desired clarity is achieved. The method 200 may then comprise converting the transformed tonal distribution into the digital image.

In methods 200 comprising the imaging device 100 with the display 114, the method 200 may further comprise displaying the digital image on the display 114. In methods 200 comprising the imaging device 100 with the transceiver, the method 200 may further comprise transmitting the digital image to the separate device utilizing the transceiver, wherein the digital image may be displayed on the second display of the separate device, stored in the second non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium of the separate device, or both.

The presently described subject matter may include one or more aspects, which should not be regarded as limiting on the teachings of the present disclosure. A first aspect may comprise an imaging device comprising: an optical lens configured to receive light from an object located downfield from the optical lens; a sensor configured to convert the received light into one or more digital signals; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: determine a tonal distribution of luminescence and an average luminescence for the one or more digital signals, assign one or more RGB values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, assign one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux, transform the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio, and convert the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, whereinthe processor is further configured to adjust an exposure time of the light to the sensor, before, concurrently, or after adjusting the tonal distribution utilizing the first gain control.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the processor is further configured to: transform the tonal distribution utilizing a second gain control upon determining the digital image does not have the desired clarity, the second gain control bound by a second lux to gain ratio that is within 10 percent of the first lux to gain ratio; and convert the transformed tonal distribution based on the second gain control into an adjusted digital image.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the processor is further configured to generate a black and white image upon determining that an average luminescence of the tonal distribution is less than 0.001 lux.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the processor is further configured to apply a median filter to the transformed tonal distribution.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein assigning the one or more RGB values and the one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution is based on correlation to a luminescence-adjusted color and saturation chart.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the sensor is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, and further comprises a display configured to display the digital image, and wherein the processor is further configured to display the digital image on the display.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the imaging device further comprises a housing having a light-receiving end and a displaying end; the optical lens is positioned proximal the light-receiving end; and the display is positioned proximal the displaying end.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the optical lens is further configured to manipulate the light to magnify a size of the object located downfield from the optical lens.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the imaging device does not utilize thermal imaging or an external light source.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the imaging device further comprises a transceiver configured to transmit a signal comprising the digital image; the processor is in communication with the transceiver; and the processor is further configured to transmit the signal utilizing the transceiver to a separate device comprising a second transceiver for displaying on the separate device.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, and a method for obtaining digital images in low-light conditions, the method comprising: providing an imaging device comprising an optical lens configured to receive light; a sensor configured to convert the light into one or more digital signals; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor; receiving light from an object located downfield from the optical lens; converting the light into one or more digital signals; determining a tonal distribution of luminescence and an average luminescence for the one or more digital signals; assigning one or more RGB values (HUES) to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux; assigning one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux; transforming the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio; and converting the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, and further comprises adjusting the exposure time of the light to the sensor, before, concurrently, or after adjusting the tonal distribution utilizing the first gain control.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, and further comprises transforming the tonal distribution utilizing a second gain control upon determining the digital image does not have the desired clarity, the second gain control bound by a second lux to gain ratio that is within 10 percent of the first lux to gain ratio; and converting the transformed tonal distribution based on the second gain control into an adjusted digital image.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, and further comprises generating a black and white image upon determining that an average luminescence of the tonal distribution is less than 0.001 lux.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, and further comprises displaying the digital image on a display of the imaging device.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, and further comprises transmitting a signal comprising the digital image utilizing a transceiver of the imaging device to a second transceiver of a separate device, the transceiver of the imaging device in communication with the processor; storing the digital image in a second non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium of the separate device; and displaying the digital image on a second display of the separate device.

Another aspect includes any of the previous aspects, wherein the method does not utilize thermal imaging or an external light source to generate the digital image.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order, nor that with any apparatus specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

As used herein, numerical value ranges include the endpoints unless otherwise expressly stated. Thus, for example, stating that “the pixel count may range from 200 megapixels to 400 megapixels” means that the wavelength may be 200 megapixels, may be 400 megapixels, or may be any integer between 200 and 400 megapixels.

As used herein, the singular forms “a, ” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the present disclosure being "configured" in a particular way, to embody a particular property, or to function in a particular manner, are structural recitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the manner in which a component is "configured" denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component.

It is noted that terms like “preferably, ” “commonly, ” and “typically, ” when utilized herein, are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that the various details disclosed herein should not be taken to imply that these details relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described herein, even in cases where a particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the present description. Further, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects.

It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term “wherein” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining the present invention, it is noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce a recitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should be interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term “comprising. ” It is noted that the use of the term “having” in this disclosure should also be interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term “comprising” .

Claims

An imaging device comprising:

an optical lens configured to receive light from an object located downfield from the optical lens;

a sensor configured to convert the received light into one or more digital signals;

a processor; and

a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, the non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:

determine a tonal distribution of luminescence and an average luminescence for the one or more digital signals,

assign one or more RGB values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux,

assign one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux,

transform the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio, and

convert the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust an exposure time of the light to the sensor, before, concurrently, or after adjusting the tonal distribution utilizing the first gain control.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:

transform the tonal distribution utilizing a second gain control upon determining the digital image does not have the desired clarity, the second gain control bound by a second lux to gain ratio that is within 10 percent of the first lux to gain ratio; and

convert the transformed tonal distribution based on the second gain control into an adjusted digital image.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to generate a black and white image upon determining that an average luminescence of the tonal distribution is less than 0.001 lux.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to apply a median filter to the transformed tonal distribution.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein assigning the one or more RGB values and the one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution is based on correlation to a luminescence-adjusted color and saturation chart.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.
The imaging device of claim 1, further comprising a display configured to display the digital image, and wherein the processor is further configured to display the digital image on the display.
The imaging device of claim 8, wherein:

the imaging device further comprises a housing having a light-receiving end and a displaying end;

the optical lens is positioned proximal the light-receiving end; and

the display is positioned proximal the displaying end.
The imaging device of claim 9, wherein the optical lens is further configured to manipulate the light to magnify a size of the object located downfield from the optical lens.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the imaging device does not utilize thermal imaging or an external light source.
The imaging device of claim 1, wherein:

the imaging device further comprises a transceiver configured to transmit a signal comprising the digital image;

the processor is in communication with the transceiver; and

the processor is further configured to transmit the signal utilizing the transceiver to a separate device comprising a second transceiver for displaying on the separate device.
A method for obtaining digital images in low-light conditions, the method comprising:

providing an imaging device comprising an optical lens configured to receive light; a sensor configured to convert the light into one or more digital signals; a processor; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor;

receiving light from an object located downfield from the optical lens;

converting the light into one or more digital signals;

determining a tonal distribution of luminescence and an average luminescence for the one or more digital signals;

assigning one or more RGB values (HUES) to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux;

assigning one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution upon determining that the average luminescence of the tonal distribution is between 0.001 lux and 100 lux;

transforming the tonal distribution utilizing a first gain control, the first gain control bound by a first lux to gain ratio; and

converting the transformed tonal distribution into a digital image.
The method of claim 13, further comprising adjusting the exposure time of the light to the sensor, before, concurrently, or after adjusting the tonal distribution utilizing the first gain control.
The method of claim 13, further comprising:

transforming the tonal distribution utilizing a second gain control upon determining the digital image does not have the desired clarity, the second gain control bound by a second lux to gain ratio that is within 10 percent of the first lux to gain ratio; and

converting the transformed tonal distribution based on the second gain control into an adjusted digital image.
The method of claim 13, further comprising generating a black and white image upon determining that an average luminescence of the tonal distribution is less than 0.001 lux.
The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying the digital image on a display of the imaging device.
The method of claim 13, further comprising:

transmitting a signal comprising the digital image utilizing a transceiver of the imaging device to a second transceiver of a separate device, the transceiver of the imaging device in communication with the processor;

storing the digital image in a second non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium of the separate device; and

displaying the digital image on a second display of the separate device.
The method of claim 13, wherein the method does not utilize thermal imaging or an external light source to generate the digital image.
The method of claim 13, wherein assigning the one or more RGB values and the one or more saturation values to the tonal distribution is based on correlation to a luminescence-adjusted color and saturation chart.