A multi-aperture imaging device includes an image sensor, an array of optical channels, each optical channel including an optic for imaging a partial field of view of a total field of view onto an image sensor region of the image sensor, and a beam-deflector switchable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position by executing a switching movement, and configured to deflect, in a first rotational position, optical paths of the optical channels into a first viewing direction, and to deflect, in a second rotational position, the optical paths of the optical channels into a second viewing direction. The array is configured to execute, based on the switching movement, an adjustment movement for adjusting an orientation of the array with respect to the beam-deflector.

A processor or control circuit of an apparatus receives data of an image based on sensing by one or more image sensors. The processor or control circuit also detects a region of interest (ROI) in the image. The processor or control circuit then adaptively controls a light projector with respect to projecting light toward the ROI.

An electronic device includes a camera module and an external structure. The camera module includes an image sensor and a shielding structure that shields components of the camera module from electromagnetic interference (EMI). The external structure two-dimensionally surrounds the camera module, and a portion of the external structure is conductive. The shielding structure includes an accommodating portion that accommodates the image sensor, and a protruding portion that protrudes from the accommodating portion to contact the external structure.

System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

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 generated 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.

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 generated 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.

Dual-aperture digital cameras with auto-focus (AF) and related methods for obtaining a focused and, optionally optically stabilized color image of an object or scene. A dual-aperture camera includes a first sub-camera having a first optics bloc and a color image sensor for providing a color image, a second sub-camera having a second optics bloc and a clear image sensor for providing a luminance image, the first and second sub-cameras having substantially the same field of view, an AF mechanism coupled mechanically at least to the first optics bloc, and a camera controller coupled to the AF mechanism and to the two image sensors and configured to control the AF mechanism, to calculate a scaling difference and a sharpness difference between the color and luminance images, the scaling and sharpness differences being due to the AF mechanism, and to process the color and luminance images into a fused color image using the calculated differences.

Dual-aperture digital cameras with auto-focus (AF) and related methods for obtaining a focused and, optionally optically stabilized color image of an object or scene. A dual-aperture camera includes a first sub-camera having a first optics bloc and a color image sensor for providing a color image, a second sub-camera having a second optics bloc and a clear image sensor for providing a luminance image, the first and second sub-cameras having substantially the same field of view, an AF mechanism coupled mechanically at least to the first optics bloc, and a camera controller coupled to the AF mechanism and to the two image sensors and configured to control the AF mechanism, to calculate a scaling difference and a sharpness difference between the color and luminance images, the scaling and sharpness differences being due to the AF mechanism, and to process the color and luminance images into a fused color image using the calculated differences.

An image pickup apparatus that enables to quickly capture an image from which a predetermined reflected light component is removed with desired sensitivity. A polarizing filter two-dimensionally arranges a plurality of sets each of which includes polarizing filter elements having different polarization directions. A first image sensor has pixels that respectively correspond to polarizing filter elements of the polarizing filter. A polarization calculation unit detects a polarized component of light that enters into a region in which one set of polarizing filter elements are arranged based on signals output from pixels in the region of the first image sensor for each region. A correction unit corrects a pixel signal output from a pixel of a second image sensor corresponding to the region based on a calculation result by the polarization calculation unit for each pixel of the second image sensor.