Zoom related methods and apparatus
US9736365B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B13/0065
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for supporting zoom operations using a plurality of optical chain modules, e.g., camera modules, are described. Switching between use of groups of optical chains with different focal lengths is used to support zoom operations. Digital zoom is used in some cases to support zoom levels corresponding to levels between the zoom levels of different optical chain groups or discrete focal lengths to which optical chains may be switched. In some embodiments optical chains have adjustable focal lengths and are switched between different focal lengths. In other embodiments optical chains have fixed focal lengths with different optical chain groups corresponding to different fixed focal lengths. Composite images are generate from images captured by multiple optical chains of the same group and/or different groups. Composite image is in accordance with a user zoom control setting. Individual composite images may be generated and/or a video sequence.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.