Multi-Lens Exposure Mode Control for Consistent Panoramic Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices with multiple lenses and sensors face issues with mismatched visual characteristics due to independent exposure settings, leading to uneven visual content when combined.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface that allows users to switch between single lens and multi-lens exposure modes, adjusting exposure settings based on luminance in the field of view of each lens to ensure consistent visual characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent exposure settings are applied to multiple image sensors, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific field of view, but mismatch in visual characteristics occurs when visual content is combined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exposure control of multiple image sensors by determining a single group exposure setting based on luminance from one lens while applying it to all sensors. This combining approach ensures visual characteristic consistency across sensors while still allowing each sensor to capture optimized visual content for its field of view.
2Manufacturing precision
If a group exposure setting is applied to all image sensors, then visual characteristic consistency is maintained, but exposure optimization for specific fields of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different visual content from different fields of view to be captured with a unified exposure setting, while the luminance measurement can be selectively taken from specific lenses based on which field of view is most relevant to the desired visual content.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exposure settings are used for different image sensors, then exposure optimization for each field of view is improved, but the complexity of controlling multiple sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single group exposure setting that serves all image sensors simultaneously. This multi-functional approach simplifies the control system while still enabling each sensor to capture optimized visual content for its specific field of view through selective luminance measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the generation of combined visual content with matching visual characteristics, such as spherical or panoramic views, by aligning exposure settings across multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The first lens may be configured to guide light within a first field of view to the first image sensor. The second lens carried may be configured to guide light within a second field of view to the second image sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The first image sensor may be configured to generate a first visual output signal conveying first visual information based on light that becomes incident thereon. The second image sensor may be configured to generate a second visual output signal conveying second visual information based on light that becomes incident thereon.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device may include multiple lenses and multiple image sensors. The image capture device may operate in a multi-lens exposure mode or a single lens exposure mode. In the multi-lens exposure mode, the exposure setting of individual image sensors may be determined based on luminance of the scene included within the field of view of corresponding lenses. In the single lens exposure mode, the group exposure setting for all image sensors may be determined based on luminance of the scene included within the field of view of a single lens. The user may change the operation of the image capture device between the multi-lens exposure mode and the single lens exposure mode by interacting with an exposure mode element presented on an electronic display.