Patent ID: 6710801
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image taking and processing device for a digital camera, the device comprising:at least one image sensor, having a fixed number of pixels, to output image signals responsive to an image taking operation; a selector to select a quantity of pixels to be used in capturing an image, wherein in a first mode of operation the quantity of pixels is greater than the fixed number of pixels; an image taking lens having zoom functionality; a controller, responsive to instructions from the selector, to control an image taking operation; and an image processor, coupled to the at least one image sensor, to process image signals received from the at least one image sensor, wherein in the first mode of operation, (i) the controller is adapted to change a focal length of the image taking lens subsequent to a first exposure and automatically effect a second exposure of a subject object and (ii) the image processor is adapted to perform pixel interpolation for image data obtained from the first exposure, wherein the image processor is adapted to determine whether corresponding pixel data from image data obtained from the second exposure exists for pixel interpolation position of image data obtained from the first exposure, and when such pixel data exists, the image processor is adapted to incorporate such pixel data from image data obtained from the second exposure into the image data obtained from the first exposure.