Methods and apparatus for capturing and/or processing images
US9547160B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B3/0056
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.