System and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera

Abstract

A system and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera includes a digital zoom module that performs a digital zoom function, and an optical zoom module that controls a lens unit of the digital camera to perform an optical zoom function. A depth of field manager performs a zoom-setting optimization procedure to select optimal zoom values for the optical zoom module and the digital zoom module to thereby optimize image quality characteristics of images captured by the camera device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES[0001]This application is a continuation of, and claims priority in, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 148,994 entitled “System And Method For Effectively Optimizing Zoom Settings In A Digital Camera” that was filed on Apr. 24, 2008. The foregoing related Application is commonly assigned, and is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND SECTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to techniques for capturing image data, and relates more particularly to a system and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera.[0004]2. Description of the Background Art[0005]Implementing effective methods for capturing image data is a significant consideration for designers and manufacturers of contemporary, electronic devices. However, effectively capturing image data with electronic devices may create substantial challenges for system designers. For example, enhanced demands for increased device functionality ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are disclosed for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera. In one embodiment, in order to optimize depth of field characteristics of a captured image, a depth of field (DOF) manager may perform an optical zoom function with an optical zoom module to physically adjust a lens unit of the digital camera to an optimal optical zoom value. The DOF manager may then utilize a digital zoom module to perform a digital zoom function to compensate for the foregoing optical zoom function to thereby produce an image that possesses the same apparent zoom characteristics as initially desired by a camera user.

[0009]In one embodiment of the present invention, the DOF manager initially reads an optical zoom value for the optical zoom module. The DOF manager also reads a current target distance to a desired target object. Then, the DOF manager accesses optimal zoom values (an optical-zoom value and a corresponding digital-zoom value) from a zoom-value look-up table that was created previously according to specified criteria. The DOF manager then applies the optimal zoom values from the lookup table to the optical zoom module and the digital zoom module. Finally, an image sensor of the digital camera captures optimized images with the optimized zoom values (optical zoom value and digital zoom value). The present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera.

Problems solved by technology

However, effectively capturing image data with electronic devices may create substantial challenges for system designers.

For example, enhanced demands for increased device functionality and performance may require more system processing power and require additional hardware resources.

An increase in processing or hardware requirements may also result in a corresponding detrimental economic impact due to increased production costs and operational inefficiencies.

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