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SonyGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 4/10

Sony patents method to align images from different camera lenses

Sony has been granted a patent for a system that helps match images taken by two different cameras. It uses details like focal length or optical axis deviation to create alignment data, such as a depth map or edge information, which guides how the second image is processed to fit the first.

Why it mattersThis technology could improve how multi-lens cameras in phones or cameras combine shots, ensuring that images from different lenses look consistent and properly aligned.

In the filing’s own words

An information processing apparatus ( 10) includes: a deciding unit configured to decide alignment information to be used for alignment between a first image captured by a first imaging device and a second image captured by a second imaging device having an angle of view wider than an angle of view of the first imaging device, on the basis of imaging-related information related to imaging performed by the first imaging device; and an outputting unit configured to output the alignment information.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a memory storing program code, and a processor configured to execute the program code to perform operations comprising: determining alignment information to be used for alignment between a first image captured from a first imaging perspective having a first angle of view and a second image captured from a second imaging perspective having second angle of view that is different from the first angle of view, on a basis of imaging-related information including at least one of focal length or optical axis deviation, wherein the first image is captured through a first lens, and the second image is captured through a second lens, wherein the alignment information includes at least one of a depth map corresponding to the first image, an image of a vicinity of focus in the first image, edge information detected from the first image, or the first image itself, wherein the alignment information is arranged to guide alignment processing of the second image; and outputting the alignment information to process the second image.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Group Corporation)
Official title
Information processing with alignment of images captured by respective lenses
Patent number
US12739497B2
Application number
18796893
Filed
Aug 7, 2024
Granted
Sep 15, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
19

Classified under

H04N 23/64 Electricity & electronicsG06T 7/30 Physics & computingG06T 7/55 Physics & computingH04N 13/25 Electricity & electronicsH04N 23/675 Electricity & electronicsH04N 23/90 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.