Single Camera Zoom Image Quality via Dynamic Sensor Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices face challenges in maintaining image quality during zoom operations due to the need for additional camera modules and complex software to switch between tele and wide-angle lenses, leading to increased costs and power consumption, as well as delays in preview image rendering when changing sensor modes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor that manages a preview image by determining the necessity to change the image sensor's output mode, generates an I2C instruction to change the sensor mode while maintaining an active state, and updates the sensor index, allowing for seamless zoom operations without additional physical cameras or significant delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a digital zoom is performed through signal processing of digital images, then the magnification of the image can be changed, but the image quality deteriorates with an increase in the magnification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the output parameters of the image sensor (resolution, pixel binning mode) dynamically according to the zoom magnification level. When digital zoom is applied, the sensor switches to a higher resolution output mode or different pixel binning configuration to compensate for the quality loss from digital enlargement, thereby maintaining acceptable image quality across various zoom levels
2Manufacturing precision
If a tele lens and a wide-angle lens are selectively used according to the magnification, then an image with an increased magnification can be acquired while reducing the deterioration in the image quality, but there is an increase in cost for producing the mobile electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single image sensor perform multiple functions by enabling it to switch between different output modes (normal resolution, high resolution, different pixel binning configurations) based on the zoom operation being performed. This allows the device to achieve both wide-angle and telephoto-like capabilities through software-controlled sensor parameter changes rather than requiring separate physical camera modules
3Manufacturing precision
If a sensor with an output mode that supports a normal resolution and a high resolution is used to switching the output mode of the sensor according to a zoom magnification, then the image quality can be improved, but a preview stops when the mode is changed due to a delay which occurs while the sensor is deactivated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the mode switching operation in advance by deactivating the sensor only when necessary and for the minimum required duration to change the output mode. The system determines the optimal timing for mode switching based on the zoom operation, and performs the sensor deactivation/reactivation sequence efficiently to minimize the interruption of the preview stream, thereby reducing the perceived delay
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electronic device (e.g., a camera) for improving image quality in a zoom scenario, and a control method thereof. The electronic device may display a preview image including an image generated from information acquired through the image sensor, perform a zoom-in operation or a zoom-out operation for the preview image, determine whether it is necessary to change an output mode of the image sensor in response to the zoom-in or the zoom-out operation, and generate an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) instruction for changing the output mode of the sensor. Upon determining that it is necessary to change the output mode of the image sensor, control the sensor to change the output mode of the sensor by executing the generated I2C instruction while the image sensor maintains an active state, and change a sensor index recorded in a register to have access to information on a sensor mode.