SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC FLASH REMOVAL FROM IMAGES

A system, method, computer program product, and business method for automatic image glare removal. Glare is often caused by direct reflection of a photographic flash. Images are acquired from at least two different locations, possibly simultaneously, and from one or more cameras, and digitized if necessary. A glare pattern is identified, typically by recognition of a fully overexposed area or known test glare patterns. The images are processed to remove the glare pattern by subtraction of the glare pattern from at least one image and substitution of corresponding data from a related image not identically impacted. The substituted data typically comprises chrominance data, which may be from a luminance-adjusted exposure-bracketed image. The processing may be performed by a camera, a pc, or a networked server, and the processed image is output. The business method includes automated image glare removal via a fee-based per-transaction or subscription service.