Image Sensor Mode Switching for Subject Highlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with a single camera module of short focal length suffer from large field of view, significant image distortion, and insufficient resolution when trying to highlight subjects, as adding multiple camera modules increases hardware costs and digital zoom reduces image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for capturing images by controlling at least one camera module to operate based on a target photographing magnification, using different operation modes of the image sensor to adjust the image resolution and quality, and processing the captured images to achieve the desired effect without pixel loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single camera module with short focal length is used, then the field of view is large, but the subjects do not stand out and image distortion is substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the image sensor to switch between different operation modes (first mode for wide field of view, second mode for magnified view) based on photographing magnification requirements. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt between capturing broad scenes and highlighting subjects without physical camera movement or additional lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the image sensor by adjusting photographing magnification through different operation modes. When the second operation mode is activated, the system processes pixels to generate magnified images, effectively changing the focal length parameter software-wise to highlight subjects while maintaining the same physical camera module.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple N-magnification camera modules are added to highlight subjects, then subject proportions improve, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera module universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions through different operation modes of the image sensor. The same camera module can capture both wide-field images and magnified subject images by switching modes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized camera modules and reducing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the magnified image view through software processing rather than using a physical second camera module. By processing pixels from the first image sensor to generate magnified images, the system replicates the function of a telephoto lens without the associated hardware cost and complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If digital zooming is used to capture N-magnification images, then subject highlighting improves, but image resolution reduces to 1/N² of original
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing the full-resolution first image with all pixels before processing. Rather than zooming into a smaller portion of the sensor output, the system captures the complete scene at full resolution and then processes the entire set of pixels to generate the magnified image, preserving maximum detail and resolution in the final output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical zoom system with a digital processing system. Instead of using a physical second camera module with optical zoom capability, the system substitutes a digital image processing approach that operates on the captured pixel data, achieving magnification without the resolution loss typically associated with digital zoom while avoiding the need for additional optical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of capturing an image includes: obtaining a target photographing magnification of a target camera mode, the target photographing magnification being one of N different photographing magnifications corresponding to the target camera mode, and the target camera mode corresponding to at least one camera module; controlling the at least one camera module to capture the image based on the target photographing magnification, including controlling an image sensor of a target camera module to operate in a target operation mode to capture the image based on the target photographing magnification, different operation modes of the image sensor of the target camera module corresponding to different photographing magnifications; processing the captured image; and displaying the captured image after processing.