20240080564.METHODS TO ACHIEVE SMOOTH ZOOM FOR VIDEO IN CAMERAS simplified abstract (apple inc.)

METHODS TO ACHIEVE SMOOTH ZOOM FOR VIDEO IN CAMERAS

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Buyue Zhang of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Walker J. Eagleston of San Francisco CA (US)

Avijit S. Wasu of San Jose CA (US)

Jeffrey A. Brasket of Honolulu HI (US)

Florian Ciurea of Campbell CA (US)

Zejing Wang of Mountain View CA (US)

Sean Z. Amadio of Santa Cruz CA (US)

Julio C. Hernandez Zaragoza of Cupertino CA (US)

Tao Zhang of Campbell CA (US)

METHODS TO ACHIEVE SMOOTH ZOOM FOR VIDEO IN CAMERAS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240080564 titled 'METHODS TO ACHIEVE SMOOTH ZOOM FOR VIDEO IN CAMERAS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes techniques for achieving smooth zooming operations during video capture, improving user experience and consistency between preview and final video.

• Longer zoom "ramps" for image capture devices
• Early transitioning between image capture devices
• Digital zoom smoothing-aware video image stabilization operations

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in smartphones, cameras, camcorders, and other devices that capture video to enhance the smoothness of zooming operations.

Problems Solved

The technology addresses the issue of abrupt zooming transitions during video capture, which can lead to a poor user experience.

Benefits

Improved user experience, consistent zooming operations, and enhanced video quality.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be utilized in consumer electronics, professional video equipment, and any device that involves video capture to provide a better user experience and higher quality videos.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include existing video stabilization techniques, zooming algorithms, and image processing methods used in video capture devices.

Unanswered Questions

How does the technology impact battery life in devices during video capture?

The patent application does not provide information on the potential impact of these techniques on the battery life of devices.

Are there any limitations to the smooth zooming operations described in the patent application?

The patent application does not discuss any potential limitations or drawbacks of the described techniques for achieving smooth zooming operations.

Original Abstract Submitted

electronic devices, methods, and program storage devices for achieving smooth zooming operations during video capture are disclosed. in particular, smooth zooming may be desirable during video capture operations that involve a single image capture device and/or transitioning between two or more distinct image capture devices, e.g., having different optical and/or zooming properties, during the video capture. when video zooming is done abruptly, it can lead to an unpleasant user experience. the techniques described herein to improve the smoothness of zooming operations include: the use of longer zoom “ramps” for image capture devices; the “early” transitioning between image capture devices during video capture; and the performance of additional “digital zoom smoothing-aware” video image stabilization operations. the embodiments described herein also provide for a more consistent user experience between video streaming (i.e., “preview”) modes and the recorded (i.e., “final”) zoomed video that is produced using the various zoom smoothing techniques described herein.