METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING AND/OR PROCESSING IMAGES

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. An apparatus, comprising:
a plurality of lenses having non-circular apertures configured to partition a first aperture into a plurality of light capture areas, said light capture areas occupying substantially the entire area of said first aperture; and one or more semiconductor sensors for capturing light passing through said plurality of lenses.