METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USING MULTIPLE OPTICAL CHAINS IN PARALELL

摘要

Methods and apparatus for capturing or generating images using multiple optical chains operating in parallel are described. Pixel values captured by individual optical chains corresponding to the same scene area are combined to provide an image with at least some of the benefits which would have been provided by capturing an image of the scene using a larger lens than that of the individual lenses of the optical chain modules. By using multiple optical chains in parallel at least some benefits normally obtained from using a large lens can be obtained without the need for a large lens. Furthermore in at least some embodiments, a wide dynamic range can be supported through the use of multiple sensors with the overall supported dynamic range being potentially larger than that of the individual sensors. Some lens and/or optical chain configurations are designed for use in small handheld devices, e.g., cell phones.

主权项

1. A method of producing at least one image of a first scene area, the method comprising:
operating a plurality of three or more optical chain modules in parallel to capture images of the first scene area, said images including at least a first image of said first scene area, a second image of said first scene area, and a third image of said first scene area; and processing said first, second, and third images to generate a first combined image of said first scene area.