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Video demo shows how Apple's rumored dual-camera interface may work

By Cookie Monster - on 9 Mar 2016, 12:00am

Video demo shows how Apple's rumored dual-camera interface may work

 Image source: MacRumors

Handset makers such as HTC and LG have implemented dual cameras on their flagship smartphones, but none of them can come as close as what Apple may be implementing in the next iPhone. 

According to MacRumors, Apple's patent application for a dual-lens camera interface was recently published in January which provided a wealth of information on how it may work on the iPhone. As seen in a patent application last year, Apple states that the dual-camera system is made up of a standard wide-angle lens, and a secondary telephoto lens for zooming in on subjects in videos and photos.

As the latest patent application reveals a wealth of information, MacRumors is able to produce a video demonstrating how the dual-camera system works on the iPhone and the possible new features it may offer. Here's a section from the lengthy patent application that describes one possible usage scenario:

Another example of a use case for some embodiments arises in the context of capturing a child extinguishing candles on a birthday cake. In such an example, one can imagine a child about to blow out the candles on the birthday cake while all her friends are singing a birthday song. In some embodiments, second camera module 3084 can be used as a telephoto camera module to zoom in on the face of the child as she is about to blow out the candles and first camera module 3082 can capture a burst of high resolution still images of her smiling face. In some embodiments, first camera module 3082 is simultaneously capturing standard 1080p 30 frames per second video of the entire group of kids gathered and singing around the cake. Some embodiments provide an editing interface for combining the video stream from the wide camera module, either manually or automatically, with the close up portraits to create a much more engaging media experience which can be shared. As the two camera modules are synchronized in time, the still images can easily be automatically inserted at the right time in a final video stream.

To put it simply, the two camera lens can be used at the same time to capture separate videos or photos, and be displayed on the same screen via a split-screen view. Both images can be saved separately or merged together using Apple's photo editing software. 

Reports of Apple introducing a dual-camera setup on the iPhone surfaced in early 2015. Sources in the Asian supply chain claimed that Apple was moving to a dual-lens design which will bring optical zoom capabilities. In April 2015, Apple confirmed that it had acquired Israeli camera technology firm LinX for its multi-aperture camera technology, and use of multiple sensors in cameras to capture 2D and 3D images.

One month later, photos of an iPhone model with a dual-camera setup were obtained by 9to5Mac. Earlier this year, Apple's patent application for a multi-camera optical zoom system surfaced on the USPTO and well-connected KGI analyst Ming Chi Kuo followed up with a report weeks later on a second iPhone 7 Plus model with dual-camera lens

With Android smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge stepping up their game in mobile photography this year, it would be very interesting to see how Apple play catch-up with the iPhone 7. However, Sony predicts that phones with dual-cameras will only take off next year due to market saturation at the high end segment which will affect demand and production schedule. 

Source: USPTO via MacRumors 

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