Foldable Dual-Sensor Imaging for Wide-Angle View Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with single or dual image sensors are limited in field of view (FOV) and cannot capture wide angle images/videos without dedicated lenses, leading to complex and time-consuming user actions for effects like panoramas, degrading user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with at least two image sensors that determine a folding angle between them, capturing overlapping or non-overlapping views, and automatically adjusts operating modes for effects like panorama, object removal, stereoscopic, and double exposure based on the bend angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single image sensor is used, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and cannot capture wide angle images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple independent image sensors (first image sensor and second image sensor) positioned at different locations. Each sensor captures a specific portion of the scene, and the processor combines these segmented views to create a comprehensive panoramic image, thereby expanding the effective field of view without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple image sensors within the same electronic device body, positioning them at different orientations and locations. The sensors are nested in such a way that their combined field of view encompasses a complete 360-degree panorama, effectively creating a wide-angle capture system without adding external structural complexity
2Area of stationary object
If dual image sensors are used, then the field of view is expanded, but the device still cannot capture portions out of the fixed FOV and requires complex user actions for panorama effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic panorama capture where the processor autonomously determines the folding angle between image sensors, identifies overlapping regions, and combines images without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-adjusts to different bending angles and automatically generates panoramic views, eliminating the need for users to manually position or orient the device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the imaging system dynamic by allowing the device to be bent to various angles while maintaining effective capture capability. The processor dynamically adjusts its processing based on the detected bending angle, automatically identifying which sensors are active and how to combine their views, thereby adapting to different user scenarios without requiring fixed positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual panorama capture actions are performed, then the desired photo effect is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and degrades user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple image sensors at specific orientations and pre-configuring the processor with algorithms to automatically identify overlapping regions and combine images. When panorama capture is needed, the system already has the infrastructure in place to rapidly process and combine sensor data without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment or post-processing by the user
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Embodiments herein provide a method for capturing view in an electronic device comprising at least two image sensors. The method includes determining a folding angle between a first side of the electronic device including a first image sensor and a second side of the electronic device including a second image sensor. Further, the method also includes capturing a first view of a scene using the first image sensor and capturing a second view of the scene using the second image sensor. Further, the method includes determining whether the first view and the second view partially overlap with each other, completely overlap with each other, or do not overlap with each other based on the folding angle.