ZOOM RELATED METHODS AND APPARATUS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for supporting zoom operations using a plurality of optical chain modules, e.g., camera modules, are described. Switching between use of groups of optical chains with different focal lengths is used to support zoom operations. Digital zoom is used in some cases to support zoom levels corresponding to levels between the zoom levels of different optical chain groups or discrete focal lengths to which optical chains may be switched. In some embodiments optical chains have adjustable focal lengths and are switched between different focal lengths. In other embodiments optical chains have fixed focal lengths with different optical chain groups corresponding to different fixed focal lengths. Composite images are generate from images captured by multiple optical chains of the same group and/or different groups. Composite image is in accordance with a user zoom control setting. Individual composite images may be generated and/or a video sequence.

主权项

1. A method of operating a camera device including a plurality of optical chains, said plurality of optical chains including at least a first group of optical chains and a second group of optical chains, the method comprising:
capturing images using the second group of optical chains during a first period of time; and capturing images using the first group of optical chains during a second period of time, optical chains in said first group of optical chains have a different focal length than optical chains in said second group of optical chains during at least a portion of said second period of time.