IMAGE CAPTURE CONTROL METHODS AND APPARATUS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for controlling the read out of rows of pixel values from sensors corresponding to different optical chains used to capture portions of the same image area are described. The readout is controlled based on user input and/or determinations with regard to the rate of motion in captured images or portions of captured images. For a low rate of motion i, the readout rate of a sensor corresponding to a small focal length is slowed down while the pixel row readout rate of one or more sensors corresponding to one or more optical chains have larger focal lengths are allowed to proceed at a normal rate. For a high rate of motion, the read out rate of the sensor corresponding to the optical chain having the smaller focal length is allowed to proceed at the normal rate.

主权项

1. A method of capturing images using a camera device including at least a first optical chain including a first sensor and a second optical chain including a second sensor, said first optical chain having a smaller focal length than said second optical chain, the method comprising:
making a decision based on at least one of: i) user input or ii) a determined rate of motion whether to control the second sensor of the second optical chain to perform joint readouts of pixel elements corresponding to consecutive pixel element rows of the second sensor or to perform individual read outs of consecutive rows of pixel elements of said second sensor; controlling the first sensor to readout pixel values of said first sensor; and controlling the second sensor to readout pixel values of pixel elements of said second sensor in accordance with the said decision to perform joint readouts of pixel elements corresponding to consecutive pixel element rows of the second sensor or to perform individual read outs of consecutive rows of pixel elements of said second sensor.