Multi-Camera Image Fusion for Wide Field of View and Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable electronic devices with multiple cameras struggle to capture high-quality images due to limitations in field of view (FOV) and image stabilization, leading to suboptimal photography experiences.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a first camera supporting a first FOV and a second camera supporting a wider FOV, along with a processor that adjusts operation attributes based on images from both cameras to generate a third image, perform image stabilization, and optimize capture settings for improved image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a single camera with wide FOV is used, then the field of view is improved, but the image quality and stabilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple camera modules, each with different FOV characteristics. The first camera captures a narrow FOV with high image quality, while the second camera captures a wide FOV. This segmentation allows each camera to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between wide FOV and image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges images from multiple cameras with different FOV into a composite image. The processor integrates the narrow FOV high-quality image with the wide FOV image to produce a final image that combines the advantages of both, achieving both wide field of view and high image quality simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single camera is used for image capture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image stabilization capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera system complexityVSAvoidimage stabilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple camera modules, each with different FOV characteristics. The first camera captures a narrow FOV with high image quality, while the second camera captures a wide FOV. This segmentation allows each camera to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between wide FOV and image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges images from multiple cameras with different FOV into a composite image. The processor integrates the narrow FOV high-quality image with the wide FOV image to produce a final image that combines the advantages of both, achieving both wide field of view and high image quality simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple cameras with different FOV are used, then the image quality and FOV are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcamera system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system is designed with multi-functionality, where the first camera optimizes for high image quality in narrow FOV scenarios, and the second camera provides wide FOV coverage. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different shooting requirements without requiring separate dedicated devices, managing complexity through integrated multi-purpose functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3869790B1Electronic device and image capturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3869790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869790B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3869790B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device and corresponding method are provided. The device comprises a first camera, a second camera and a processor. The first camera supports a first field of view (FOV). The second camera supports a second FOV wider than the first FOV. The first camera and the second camera are disposed at the same side of the electronic device to face the same direction. The processor is configured to obtain, using the first camera or the second camera, a first image corresponding to a subject. The processor adjusts at least one operation attribute of the first camera based on the first image, wherein the at least one operation attribute includes at least one of an exposure value or a color temperature value. The processor obtains, using the first camera, a second image corresponding to the subject and having the first FOV based on the adjusted at least one operation attribute of the first camera.