Patent Publication Number: US-2021176397-A1

Title: Shared image sensor for multiple optical paths

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to image capture systems and devices, including a shared image sensor for multiple optical paths of a device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many devices may include multiple cameras. For example, a smartphone may include a plurality of cameras rear facing cameras and one or more front facing cameras. Each camera includes an image sensor and associated components for capturing an image. For example, if a device includes two or more cameras, the device includes two or more image sensors and associated components. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a shared image sensor. An example device includes a first lens configured to direct light along a first path in the device, a second lens configured to direct light along a second path in the device, an image sensor configured to receive light from a third path in the device, and an optical element configured to direct the light from the first path to the third path during a first mode. The image sensor is configured to receive the light from the first path during the first mode, and the image sensor is configured to receive the light from the second path during a second mode. 
     In another example, a method is disclosed. The example method includes directing, by a first lens, light along a first path in a device when the device is in a first mode. The method also includes directing, by a second lens, light along a second path in the device when the device is in a second mode. The method further includes receiving, by an image sensor, light from a third path in the device. The method also includes directing, by an optical element, light from the first path to the third path during the first mode. The image sensor is configured to receive the light from the first path during the first mode, and the image sensor is configured to receive the light from the second path during the second mode. 
     In a further example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may store instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a device to direct, by a first lens, light along a first path in a device when the device is in a first mode. Execution of the instructions also causes the device to direct, by a second lens, light along a second path in the device when the device is in a second mode. Execution of the instructions further causes the device to receive, by an image sensor, light from a third path in the device. Execution of the instructions also causes the device to direct, by an optical element, light from the first path to the third path during the first mode. The image sensor is configured to receive the light from the first path during the first mode, and the image sensor is configured to receive the light from the second path during the second mode. 
     In another example, a device is disclosed. The device includes means for directing light along a first path in the device when the device is in a first mode, means for directing light along a second path in the device when the device is in a second mode, means for receiving at an image sensor light from a third path in the device, and means for directing light from the first path to the third path during the first mode. The image sensor is configured to receive the light from the first path during the first mode, and the image sensor is configured to receive the light from the second path during the second mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example device including a shared image sensor for multiple optical paths. 
         FIG. 2A  is a depiction of a device in a first mode configured to direct light from a first optical path to an image sensor. 
         FIG. 2B  is a depiction of the device in  FIG. 2A  in a second mode configured to direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 2C  is a depiction of a device in a first mode configured to direct light from a first optical path to an image sensor. 
         FIG. 2D  is a depiction of the device in  FIG. 2C  in a second mode configured to direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 3  is a depiction of an example device including two lenses on the rear of the device. 
         FIG. 4A  is a depiction of a device in a first mode configured to direct light from a first optical path to an image sensor. 
         FIG. 4B  is a depiction of the device in  FIG. 4A  in a second mode configured to direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 5A  is a depiction of an example device including a lens on the rear of the device. 
         FIG. 5B  is a depiction of the example device in  FIG. 5A  including a lens on the front of the device. 
         FIG. 6A  is a depiction of an example device in a first mode exposing a first lens for directing light to a first optical path, which is directed to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 6B  is a depiction of the example device in  FIG. 6A  in a second mode hiding the first lens and configured to direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 7A  is a depiction of an example device with a first lens hidden behind a display. 
         FIG. 7B  is a depiction of the example device in  FIG. 7B  with the first lens positioned outside of the display. 
         FIG. 8A  is a depiction of a device in a first mode configured to direct light from a first optical path to an image sensor. 
         FIG. 8B  is a depiction of the device in  FIG. 8A  in a second mode configured to direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 8C  is a depiction of a device in a first mode configured to direct light from a first optical path to an image sensor. 
         FIG. 8D  is a depiction of the device in  FIG. 8C  in a second mode configured to direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 9A  is a depiction of a device in a first mode configured to direct light from a first optical path to an image sensor. 
         FIG. 9B  is a depiction of the device in  FIG. 9A  in a second mode configured to direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustrative flow chart depicting an example operation for sharing an image sensor between multiple optical paths. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustrative flow chart depicting another example operation for sharing an image sensor between multiple optical paths. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure may be used for image capture systems and devices. Some aspects may include a device having a shared image sensor for multiple optical paths of the device. 
     For a device having multiple cameras, each camera includes an image sensor, a lens, and other camera components (such as a shutter, front end, color filter, and so on). For example, a device (such as a smartphone, tablet, digital camera, or other suitable imaging device) may include a rear facing dual camera module and a front facing camera. As a result, the device includes at least three image sensor and corresponding camera components. Multiple image sensors may be used to capture images, for example, from different perspectives, using different fields of view, or using different optical zooms. While increasing the number of image sensor may increase the camera functionality of a device, including additional image sensors increases the cost of the device. Additionally, multiple image sensors occupy space in a device that may have been used for other purposes, such as accommodating a larger capacity battery or other device components. Device manufacturers may use lower resolution or less capable image sensors for at least some of the cameras (such as for an auxiliary camera or front facing camera) to reduce cost. However, the image sensor may be associated with a low quality image, and the less capable image sensors still occupy device space that may be used for other components. 
     In some implementations, a device may include an image sensor that is shared between two or more optical paths in the device. For example, two or more lenses on the device may direct light along its associated optical path, and the device may be configured to switch between optical paths to be coupled to a shared image sensor. In this manner, one high resolution, highly capable image sensor may be used for image capture, for example, from different perspectives, for different fields of view, or at different optical zoom levels. 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, circuits, and processes to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” as used herein means connected directly to or connected through one or more intervening components or circuits. Also, in the following description and for purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details may not be required to practice the teachings disclosed herein. In other instances, well known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring teachings of the present disclosure. Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. In the present disclosure, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, is conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. 
     It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present application, discussions utilizing the terms such as “accessing,” “receiving,” “sending,” “using,” “selecting,” “determining,” “normalizing,” “multiplying,” “averaging,” “monitoring,” “comparing,” “applying,” “updating,” “measuring,” “deriving,” “settling” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system&#39;s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. 
     In the figures, a single block may be described as performing a function or functions; however, in actual practice, the function or functions performed by that block may be performed in a single component or across multiple components, and/or may be performed using hardware, using software, or using a combination of hardware and software. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described below generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the example devices may include components other than those shown, including well-known components such as a processor, memory and the like. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to any suitable electronic device including an image sensor configured to capture images or video (such as security systems, smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, digital video and/or still cameras, web cameras, and so on with an image sensor). While described below with respect to a device including one image sensor shared by two optical paths, aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to devices having any number of image sensors and any number of optical paths sharing an image sensor. For example, a device may include three or more optical paths sharing an image sensor. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to devices having one image sensor shared by two optical paths. 
     The term “device” is not limited to one or a specific number of physical objects (such as one smartphone, one camera controller, one processing system and so on). As used herein, a device may be any electronic device with one or more parts that may implement at least some portions of the disclosure. While the below description and examples use the term “device” to describe various aspects of the disclosure, the term “device” is not limited to a specific configuration, type, or number of objects. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example device  100 . The example device  100  may include a first lens  120  to direct light to a first optical path  101 , a second lens  122  to direct light to a second optical path  102 , and an image sensor  103  coupled to a third optical path  104 . The device  100  may be configured to couple the first optical path  101  to the third optical path  104  (and therefore the image sensor  103 ) during a first mode and to couple the second optical path  102  to the third optical path  104  (and therefore the image sensor  103 ) during a second mode. The example device  100  also may include a processor  104 , a memory  106  storing instructions  108 , and a camera controller  110 . The device  100  optionally may include (or be coupled to) a display  114  and a number of input/output (I/O) components  116 . The device  100  may include additional features or components not shown. In one example, a wireless interface, which may include a number of transceivers and a baseband processor, may be included for a wireless communication device. In another example, one or more motion sensors (such as a gyroscope) may be included in a device. The device  100  may include or be coupled to additional image sensors other than the image sensor  103  and may include or be coupled to additional lenses other than the first lens  120  and the second lens  122 . 
     The first lens  120  and the second lens  122  may be capable of receiving light from any perspective of the device  100 . For example, if the device  100  is a smartphone, the first lens  120  and the second lens  122  may be positioned on any side of the smartphone, and the lenses  120  and  122  may be positioned on the same side (such as both rear facing) or on different sides (such as one rear facing and one forward facing). If the lenses  120  and  122  are positioned on the same side of the device  100 , the fields of view may be overlapping or exclusive of each other (such as if the lenses are parallel, toed-in, or toed-out). 
     The first lens  120  may be configured to provide a first field of view, a first perspective, or a first optical zoom for images to be captured by the image sensor from the first optical path. For example, a curvature of the first lens  120  may cause a desired optical zoom. In another example, the first lens  120  may be a flat, transparent cover to protect the device from receiving dust and other materials in the first optical path. In this manner, the first lens  120  may or may not refract light to cause an optical effect such as a zoom or change in field of view. The lens  120  may include any material and any properties for directing light to the first optical path. For example, the lens may be glass and plastic. 
     The second lens  122  may be similar or different than the first lens  120 . For example, the curvature of the second lens  122  may differ from the curvature of the first lens  120  to cause a different optical zoom or different field of view, one lens may include a mask to restrict the field of the scene from which light may be received (such as to adjust the field of view), or the lenses  120  and  122  may be of different materials. Alternatively, the first lens  120  and the second lens  122  may be similar. In some implementations, the first lens  120  may be fixed in position with reference to the second lens  122 . In some other implementations, the position of the first lens  120  may move with reference to the position of the second lens  122 . For example, the first lens may be positioned outside of a display of a smartphone (and the second lens may be fixed to the rear of the smartphone) during a first mode, and the first lens may be positioned behind the display during a second mode. 
     The image sensor  103  may be configured to capture images of a scene based on the light received at the first lens  120  or the light received at the second lens  122 . In some implementations, when the device  100  is in a first mode, the image sensor  103  is configured to receive light from the first optical path  101  coupled to the third optical path  104 . When the device  100  is in a second mode, the image sensor  103  is configured to receive light from the second optical path  102  coupled to the third optical path  104 . In some example implementations, the device  100  may include an optical element (not shown) to cause the device  100  to switch between the first mode and the second mode. For example, the device  100  (such as using the optical element) may switch between coupling the first optical path  101  to the third optical path  104  during the first mode and coupling the second optical path  102  to the third optical path  104  during the second mode. In some implementations, the optical element may include a reflective surface and be moveable between a first position for a first mode and a second position for a second mode. If the image sensor  103  is shared by additional optical paths, the optical element may be configured to be moved to more than two positions (such as a third position to couple an additional optical path to the third optical path  104  preceding the image sensor  103 ). 
     The memory  106  may be a non-transient or non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer-executable instructions  108  to perform all or a portion of one or more operations described in this disclosure (such as for adjusting a position of an optical element). The device  100  also may include a power supply  118 , which may be coupled to or integrated into the device  100 . The processor  104  may be one or more suitable processors capable of executing scripts or instructions of one or more software programs (such as instructions  108 ) stored within the memory  106 . For example, the processor  104  may be an applications processor and execute an imaging application. In another example, the processor  104  may execute instructions to cause the device to adjust a position of an optical element (such as control an actuator to adjust the position of the optical element). In some aspects, the processor  104  may be one or more general purpose processors that execute instructions  108  to cause the device  100  to perform any number of functions or operations. In additional or alternative aspects, the processor  104  may include integrated circuits or other hardware to perform functions or operations without the use of software. 
     While shown to be coupled to each other via the processor  104  in the example of  FIG. 1 , the processor  104 , the memory  106 , the camera controller  110 , the optional display  114 , and the optional I/O components  116  may be coupled to one another in various arrangements. For example, the processor  104 , the memory  106 , the camera controller  110 , the optional display  114 , and/or the optional I/O components  116  may be coupled to each other via one or more local buses (not shown for simplicity). 
     The display  114  may be any suitable display or screen allowing for user interaction and/or to present items (such as captured images, video, or preview images from the image sensor  103 ). In some aspects, the display  114  may be a touch-sensitive display. The I/O components  116  may be or include any suitable mechanism, interface, or device to receive input (such as commands) from a user and to provide output to the user. For example, the I/O components  116  may include a graphical user interface, keyboard, mouse, microphone and speakers, and so on. 
     The camera controller  110  may be configured to control the image sensor and optical element during modes. The camera controller  110  also may be configured to process frames captured by the image sensor  103 . The camera controller  110  include an image signal processor  112 , which may be one or more image signal processors to process captured image frames or video provided by the image sensor  103 . In some implementations, the camera controller  110  (such as the image signal processor  112 ) also may control switching the device  100  between modes. In some aspects, the image signal processor  112  may execute instructions from a memory (such as instructions  108  from the memory  106  or instructions stored in a separate memory coupled to the image signal processor  112 ). In some other aspects, the image signal processor  112  may include specific hardware to perform one or more operations described in the present disclosure. The image signal processor  112  alternatively or additionally may include a combination of specific hardware and the ability to execute software instructions. 
     A device (such as the device  100 ) may include an image sensor that is shared by two or more optical paths. In this manner, the device may capture images or video using one image sensor similar to devices using multiple image sensors. For example, one image sensor may be used to capture images from different perspectives associated with multiple lenses on a single side of a device. 
       FIG. 2A  is a depiction of a device  200  in a first mode configured to direct light  232  from a first optical path  201  to an image sensor  203 . The device  200  may be an example implementation of the device  100  in  FIG. 1 . The first lens  220  and the second lens  222  may be positioned on the same side of the device  200 , and the light  232  (received at the first lens  220 ) and the light  234  (received at the second lens  222 ) may be from the same side of the device  200 . For example, the lenses  220  and  222  may be positioned on a rear side of a device (such as on the opposite side as a display on a smartphone) and configured to receive light at the rear side of the device, or the lenses  220  and  222  may be positioned on a front side of a device (such as on the same side as the display on the smartphone) and configured to receive light at the front side of the device. 
     In the first mode, the device  200  is configured to direct light from the first optical path  201  to the image sensor  203 . In some implementations, an optical element  206  is positioned to couple the first optical path  201  and a third optical path  204  such that light  232  is received at the image sensor  203 . The optical element  206  may include a reflective surface to reflect the light from the first optical path  201  to the third optical path  204 . The optical element is illustrated as a triangle for illustrative purposes, and the optical element may be any suitable shape or component for directing light from the first optical path  201  to the third optical path  204 . In some implementations, an actuator  208  may be coupled to the optical element  206 , and the device  200  may control the actuator  208  to position the optical element  206 . For example, the actuator  208  may laterally move the optical element  206  (as illustrated by the arrow) to position the optical element  206  to reflect light from the first optical path  201  to the third optical path  204  preceding the image sensor  203 . In some implementations, lateral movement may refer to movement along a plane 90 degrees to a reference plane formed by the first optical path and the second optical path. The plane may be parallel to the lenses. For example, if the device  200  is a smartphone or tablet with its surface area primarily along a plane, lateral movement may refer to movement along the plane. 
     In some implementations, the device  200  prevents a second optical path  202  from being coupled to the third optical path  204  during the first mode. In this manner, the light  234  received at the second lens  222  and travelling along the second optical path  202  is prevented from being received at the third optical path  204  during the first mode. For example, the optical element  206  may include an opaque surface  240  to block the light  234  from being received at the third optical path  204 . 
     In some implementations, the actuator  208  may include a spring load system or other mechanical module for moving the optical element  206 . The actuator  208  may be electrically controlled (such as an electric motor), magnetically or electromagnetically controlled, or mechanically controlled (such as a physical switch or slider). The actuator  208  may be any suitable configuration and operation of the actuator  208  may be any suitable manner, and the disclosure is not limited to a specific example. 
       FIG. 2B  is a depiction of the device  200  in a second mode configured to direct light  234  from a second optical path  202  to the image sensor  203 . In the second mode, the device  200  is configured to couple the second optical path  202  to the third optical path  204  in order to direct light from the second optical path  202  to the image sensor  203 . In some implementations, an optical element  206  is positioned such that the opaque surface  240  does not block light along the second optical path  202  (and thus the light travels to the third optical path  204 ). In this manner, the second optical path  202  may be coupled to the third optical path  204 . For example, the optical element  206  is moved by the actuator  208  (as illustrated by the arrow) so that the opaque surface  240  is out of the second optical path  202 , and the light from the second optical path  202  may be received at the third optical path  204  coupled to the second optical path  202  in the second mode. 
     When the device  200  is in the second mode, the light from the first optical path  201  is not directed by the optical element  206  to the third optical path  204 . For example, the optical element  206  may be moved between a first position for a first mode and a second position for a second mode. When the optical element  206  is in a second position, the light from the first optical path  201  may be directed (such as reflected) to somewhere other than the third optical path  204 . While the optical element  206  is described as being used for preventing light travelling along the first optical path  201  or the second optical path  202  from being received at the third optical path, any other suitable means may be used for preventing light along one optical path from being received at the third optical path  204 . For example, one or more shutters or other optical deflection objects may be used to prevent light from reaching the image sensor  203 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate the optical element  206  moving along an axis laterally within the device  200 . For example, if the first lens  220  and the second lens  222  are oriented vertically (for example, when a smartphone is in a portrait orientation), the optical element  206  is illustrated as moving vertically. In some other implementations, the optical element  206  may be configured to move horizontally or in another suitable direction for the device  200  to switch between a first mode and a second mode. 
       FIG. 2C  is a depiction of a device  250  in a first mode configured to direct light  282  from a first optical path  251  to an image sensor  253 . In the first mode, the device  250  is configured to direct light from the first optical path  251  to the image sensor  253 . The configuration of the device  250  in the first mode may be similar to the configuration of the device  200  in the first mode ( FIG. 2A ). The optical element  256  is positioned to couple the first optical path  251  and a third optical path  254  such that light  282  is received at the image sensor  253 . The optical element  256  may include a reflective surface to reflect the light from the first optical path  251  to the third optical path  254 . In some implementations, the device  250  may control an actuator to position the optical element  256 . For example, the actuator may move the optical element  256  laterally (as illustrated by the x and 90 degrees to the movement of the optical element  206  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) to position the optical element  256  to reflect light from the first optical path  251  to the third optical path  254  preceding the image sensor  253 . Similar to  FIG. 2A , the device  250  may prevent a second optical path  252  from being coupled to the third optical path  254  during the first mode. In this manner, the light  284  received at the second lens  272  and travelling along the second optical path  252  is prevented from being received at the third optical path  254  during the first mode. For example, the optical element  256  may include an opaque surface  290  to block the light  284  from being received at the third optical path  254 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a depiction of the device  250  in a second mode configured to direct light  284  from a second optical path  252  to the image sensor  253 . In the second mode, the device  250  is configured to couple the second optical path  252  to the third optical path  254  in order to direct light from the second optical path  252  to the image sensor  253 . In some implementations, an optical element  256  is positioned such that the opaque surface  290  does not block light along the second optical path  252  (and thus the light travels to the third optical path  204 ). As illustrated by the dot, the optical element  256  may be moved horizontally (or in another suitable direction) to couple the second optical path  252  to the third optical path  254 . For example, the optical element  256  is moved so that the opaque surface  290  is out of the second optical path  252 , and the light from the second optical path  252  may be received at the third optical path  254  coupled to the second optical path  252  in the second mode. 
     When the device  250  is in the second mode, the light from the first optical path  251  is not directed by the optical element  256  to the third optical path  254 . For example, the optical element  256  may be moved between a first position for a first mode and a second position for a second mode. When the optical element  256  is in a second position, the optical element is not in the first optical path  201 . For example, the optical element  256  may be to either the proximal side or the distal side (from the illustrated perspective) of the first optical path. In this manner, light from the first optical path  201  is not directed (such as reflected) to the third optical path  204 . The following examples show the optical element as being moved in a similar direction as in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  to illustrate concepts of the disclosure. However, the optical element may be moved in any suitable manner and direction (such as illustrated in  FIGS. 2C and 2D  or in another suitable direction), and the disclosure is not limited to a specific direction of movement of an optical element. 
       FIG. 3  is a depiction of an example device  300  including a first lens  320  and a second lens  322  on a rear of the device  300 . The device  300  may be an example implementation of the device  200  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  or the device  250  in  FIGS. 2C  and  2 D. As illustrated, the device  300  may be a smartphone or tablet. The first lens  320  may be configured to receive light for a first mode of the device  300 , and the second lens  322  may be configured to receive light for a second mode of the device  300 . 
     In some implementations, the first lens  320  and the second lens  322  may be configured to provide different perspectives for an image sensor. For example, the lenses  320  and  322  may be toed-in or toed-out from each other. In some other implementations, the lenses  320  and  322  provide different fields of view. For example, the first lens  320  may be configured to provide a wide view (such as based on a curvature of the lens, the lens including a mask, and so on), and the second lens  322  may be configured to provide a telephoto view. In this manner, the device  300  may switch between capturing wide view images in a first mode and capturing telephoto view images in a second mode. In some implementations, the device  300  may switch between the first mode and the second mode through use of a switch  302 . The switch  302  may be a slider or other manual component to be operated by a user, and may cause an optical element to be moved using mechanical or electrical means. 
     The device  300  may use additional or alternative means of switching between the first mode and the second mode. In some implementations, a display of the device  300  may display a button or other element that, when touched, causes the device  300  to switch between modes. For example, the device  300  may execute a camera application for capturing images or video. In executing the camera application, the device  300  may display a graphical user interface (GUI) for the camera application, and the GUI may include a button or other interactive element for the user to determine when the device  300  is to switch between modes. In some other implementations, the device  300  may include a microphone configured to receive a voice command for switching between modes. For example, the device  300  may use a microphone to listen for a wake word and a subsequent command following the wake word (such as “switch camera lens modes” and so on). In some other implementations, the device  300  includes a button or other physical means for a user to instruct the device  300  to switch modes. 
     In some further implementations, the device  300  may automatically control switching between the first mode and the second mode without requiring a user input. For example, the device  300  may automatically determine when to switch modes based on tracking an object, based on moving objects in a region of interest (ROI) in the scene, based on whether a zoom is to be performed, based on whether a depth disparity function is to be performed (such as a bokeh effect), and so on. For example, the first lens  320  may be a telephoto lens, and the second lens  322  may be a wider angle lens associated with a lower zoom factor than the first lens  320 . If the device  300  is to generate an image of an object with a bokeh effect, the device may capture an image in the first mode (using the telephoto lens), automatically switch between the first mode and the second mode, and capture an image in the second mode (using the wider angle lens). The device  300  may then compare the images to determine differences in depth and thus identify a boundary of the object. In this manner, the background of the object is identified and blurred to generate the bokeh effect. 
     In another example, the device  300  may be configured to track an object in the field of view (FOV) of the first lens  320  or the second lens  322 . The FOV of the second lens  322  may be greater than the FOV of the first lens  320 . In some implementations, the device  300  switches between the modes to ensure that the object stays within the FOV of the active lens. For example, the device  300  may begin capturing images of the object in a first mode. The device  300  may also determine whether the object is to leave the FOV of the first lens  320  (such as by estimating a future position of the object). If the device  300  determines that object is to leave the FOV of the first lens  320 , the device  300  may automatically switch to the second mode to use the second lens  322  associated with the larger FOV. 
     In a further example, the device  300  may be configured to switch modes based on a depth of an object in a FOV of the lenses  320  and  322 . For example, the device  300  may determine a depth of an object in an ROI (such as via a depth sensor, contrast detection, phase detection, and so on). The device  300  may then use the first mode (associated with a higher optical zoom than the second mode) for image capture of the object if the depth is greater than a threshold depth. The device  300  may also switch between modes based on the object&#39;s depth crossing the threshold depth. While some example implementations of configuring the device  300  to switch between modes are provided, the device  300  may use any suitable means for switching between modes. 
     In some implementations, the first lens  320  and the second lens  322  may be associated with different zoom factors. For example, the curvatures of the first lens  320  and the second lens  322  may differ such that the first mode is associated with a first optical zoom and the second mode is associated with no optical zoom or an optical zoom less than the first optical zoom. While  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3  illustrate the lenses being positioned on a same side of the device, the lenses may be positioned on different sides of the device for some other implementations. 
       FIG. 4A  is a depiction of a device  400  in a first mode configured to direct light  432  from a first optical path  401  to an image sensor  403 . The device  400  may be an example implementation of the device  100  in  FIG. 1 . The first lens  420  may be positioned on a first side of the device to receive light  432 , and the second lens  422  may be positioned on a second side of the device to receive light  434 . For example, the first lens  420  may be on a front side of a device (such as a front side of a smartphone with a display), and the second lens  422  may be on a rear side of the device (such as a rear side of the smartphone opposite the display). While  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate the lenses  420  and  422  on opposite sides of a device  400 , the lenses  420  and  422  may be on any side of the device  400  (such as a top and rear of the device, a front and top of the device, a top and bottom of the device, and so on). 
     In a first mode, the device  400  is configured to direct light  432  from a first optical path  401  to the image sensor  403 . In some implementations, an optical element  406  is positioned such that the first optical path  401  is coupled to the third optical path  404 . For example, the optical element  406  is moved by an actuator  408  (as illustrated by the arrow) to position the optical element to reflect light from the first optical path  401  to the third optical path  404 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a depiction of the device  400  in a second mode configured to direct light  434  from a second optical path  402  to an image sensor  403 . In a second mode, the device  400  is configured to direct light  434  from a first optical path  402  to the image sensor  403 . In some implementations, the optical element  406  is positioned out of the second optical path  402  (as illustrated by the arrow) such that the second optical path  402  is coupled to the third optical path  404 . In this manner, the optical element  406  may be moved between a first position for a first mode and a second position for a second mode. For example, the first mode may be associated with a selfie mode to capture front facing images of the user, and the second mode may be associated with an image capture mode to capture rear facing images of the device  400 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a depiction of an example device  500  including a second lens  522  on a rear of the device  500 . The device  500  may be an example implementation of the device  400  in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As illustrated, the device  500  may be a smartphone or tablet.  FIG. 5B  is a depiction of the example device  500  including a first lens  520  on the front of the device. The first lens  520  may be configured to receive light for a first mode of the device  500 , and the second lens  522  may be configured to receive light for a second mode of the device  500 . The first lens  520  may be positioned on the front side of the device  500  with the display  504 . Space separate from the display  504  on the front side of the device  500  may be made for the first lens  520  via, for example, a punch hole in the display  504  (as illustrated), a notch in the display  504 , or a bezel of the device  500  outside of the display. 
     In some implementations, switching between the first mode and the second mode may be controlled by a switch  502  operated by a user. The switch  502  may be a slider or other manual component to be operated by a user, and may cause an optical element to be moved using mechanical or electrical means. In some other implementations, a device  500  may control switching between the first mode and the second mode by any other suitable means (such as described above with reference to  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIGS. 2A-5B  illustrate a position of the first lens and a position of the second lens being fixed with reference to each other. In some other implementations, a position of a first lens may move with reference to a position of the second lens. In some implementations, a first lens may be positioned outside of a display during a first mode of a device, and the first lens may be hidden behind the display during a second mode of the device. For example, when a smartphone is in a selfie mode, the smartphone may move a first lens from behind the display to outside of the display for capturing selfie images. When the smartphone is not in a selfie mode (such as when capturing an image using a second lens or not performing image capture), the first lens may be moved behind the display of the device. In this manner, the display may not include a punch hole or notch and the device may have small borders outside of the display while still including a front facing lens for image capture. 
       FIG. 6A  is a depiction of an example device  600  in a first mode exposing a first lens  620  for directing light  632  to a first optical path  601 , which is directed to the image sensor  603 . As illustrated, the lens  620  may be positioned outside of the display  610  of the device  600  for a first mode (such as a selfie mode). In some implementations, the lens  620  may be included in a camera module  612  that moves between a first position (as illustrated) for a first mode of the device  600  and a second position (as illustrated in  FIG. 6B ) for a second mode of the device  600 . In the first mode, the camera module  612  may be moved (as illustrated by the arrows) by actuator  608  to the first position, and the first lens  620  is outside of the display  610  to receive light  632 . The camera module  612  also may include an optical element  606  to direct light from the first optical path  601  to the image sensor  603  when the device  600  is in the first mode. For example, the optical element  606  may be moved to a first position to reflect light from the first optical path  601  to a third optical path  604  preceding the image sensor  603 . In some implementations, light  634  received at the second lens  622  is prevented from being received at the third optical path when the device  600  is in the first mode. 
       FIG. 6B  is a depiction of the example device  600  in a second mode hiding the first lens  620  and configured to direct light from a second optical path  602  to the image sensor  603 . In the second mode, the camera module may be positioned to hide the first lens  620  behind the display  610  and move the optical element  606  out of the second optical path  602 . In this manner, the light  634  directed by the second lens  622  to the second optical path  602  may be received at the third optical path  604  and the image sensor  603 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a depiction of an example device  700  with a first lens hidden by a camera module  702  behind a display  704 .  FIG. 7B  is a depiction of the device  700  with the first lens  720  positioned by the camera module  702  outside of the display  704 . The device  700  may be an example implementation of the device  600  in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . As shown, the display  704  may include more space of the front of the device  700  than if the lens  720  is fixed on the front of the device  700  (such as not including a punch hole or notch). 
     As noted above, a first mode may be associated with a first optical zoom (such as an optical zoom greater than zero), and a second mode may be associated with a second optical zoom (such as an optical zoom less than the optical zoom associated with the first optical path). If the device is a smartphone, the depth of a smartphone may limit the number of lenses that may be arranged in an optical path. For example, referring back to  FIG. 2B , the distance between the second lens  222  and the image sensor  203  for a smartphone may limit the ability to place one or more lenses (adjusting the optical zoom) between the second lens  222  and the image sensor  203 . However, the first optical path  201  may include a portion parallel to the length of the smartphone, which may allow one or more lenses (adjusting the optical zoom) to be between the first lens  220  and the image sensor  203 . Additionally, some devices may include one or more shutters to prevent light from being directed by a lens to its associated optical path. 
       FIG. 8A  is a depiction of a device  800  in a first mode configured to direct light  832  from a first optical path  801  to an image sensor  803 . The device  800  may be an implementation of the device  200  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) or the device  100  ( FIG. 1 ). The device  800  may include a first set of zoom lenses  810  in the first optical path  801 . The first set of zoom lenses  810  may be one or more optical lenses configured to adjust an optical zoom of image capture for the device  800  in a first mode. Similar to  FIG. 2A , the optical element  806  may be in a first position to direct light from the first optical path  801  to the third optical path  804  and the image sensor  803 . The optical element  806  may be moved between positions by an actuator  808 . 
     While the first set of zoom lenses is illustrated as including lenses in a lateral portion and a vertical portion of the first optical path  801 , the optical zoom lenses may exist in the vertical portion of the first optical path  801 , the horizontal portion of the first optical path  801 , or both portions of the first optical path  801 . In some implementations, the second lens  822  (that receives light  834 ) may be associated with a second set of zoom lenses  812  to adjust an optical zoom of image capture for the device  800  in a second mode. In some other implementations, the device  800  may not include a second set of zoom lenses  812 . 
     In some implementations, the device  800  may be configured to use shutters to prevent light  832  or light  834  from reaching an image sensor. For example, when the device  800  is in a first mode, the device  800  may close a second shutter  838  to prevent light  834  from entering further into the device  800 . In some other implementations, the light  834  may be prevented from reaching the image sensor  803  by other means during the first mode. For example, the optical element  806  may be configured to block light  834  from reaching the third optical path  804  and the image sensor  803  (such as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2D ). Other suitable means for preventing light from reaching the image sensor  803  may be used, and the disclosure is not limited to shutters or the optical element preventing light from reaching the image sensor  803 . In some implementations of using shutters, the device  800  may open a first shutter  836  in the first optical path  801  during the first mode. In this manner, light  820  is allowed to reach the first optical path  801  and travel to the third optical path  804 . 
       FIG. 8B  is a depiction of a device  800  in a second mode configured to direct light  834  from a second optical path  802  to an image sensor  803  (such as via a third optical path  804 ). Similar to  FIG. 2B , the optical element  806  may be in a second position to allow the device  800  to direct light  834  from the second optical path  802  to the third optical path  804  and the image sensor  803 . The device  800  may include a number of zoom lenses (greater than or equal to zero) in the second optical path  802 , which may be referred to as a second set of zoom lenses  812 . While the device  800  is illustrated as including the second set of zoom lenses  812  along the second optical path  802 , the device  800  may not include the second set of zoom lenses  812  (and the device  800  not be associated with an optical zoom for image capture during the second mode). In some implementations, the device  800  may be configured to open a second shutter  838  and close a first shutter  836  when the device  800  is in the second mode. In this manner, light  832  may be prevented from entering further into the device  800 . In some other implementations, the light  832  may be prevented from reaching the image sensor  803  by other means during the first mode. For example, the device  800  may not include a first shutter  836 , as the optical element  806  is positioned during a second mode to not direct light from the first optical path  801  to the image sensor  803 . 
     In this manner, each optical path  801  and  802  may be associated with a different optical zoom. While  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the lenses  820  and  822  located on a same side of the device  800  (such as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), aspects of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  may be implemented in a device with different lens positions (such as in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , or devices with other positions of the lenses not illustrated). 
     In some implementations, shutters can be used without a moveable optical element. For example, whether light from a first optical path reaches a third optical path via a fixed optical element may be based on whether the shutter for the first optical path is open.  FIGS. 8C and 8D  illustrate an example implementation of a device with one or more fixed optical elements and shutters for directing light from a first or second optical path to a third optical path. 
       FIG. 8C  is a depiction of a device  850  in a first mode configured to direct light  882  from a first optical path  851  to an image sensor  853 . The device  850  may be an implementation of the device  100  ( FIG. 1 ). The device  850  includes a first lens  870  to direct light  882  from outside the device toward the first shutter  886 . The device  850  also includes an optical element  856  to direct light from the first optical path  851  to the third optical path  854 , which is received by the image sensor  853 . When the device  850  is in a first mode, the first shutter  886  is open to direct light from the first lens  870  to the first optical path  851 . The device  850  also includes a second lens  872  to direct light  884  from outside the device  850  toward the second shutter  888 . When the device  850  is in the first mode, the second shutter  888  is closed, preventing light  884  from passing through the second shutter  888  and reaching the image sensor  853  via the optical element  858 . 
       FIG. 8D  is a depiction of the device  850  in a second mode configured to direct light  884  from a second optical path  852  to the image sensor  853 . When the device  850  is in a second mode, the second shutter  888  is open to direct light from the second lens  870  to the second optical path  852 . The device  850  also includes a second lens  872  to direct light  884  from outside the device  850  toward the second shutter  888 . When the device  850  is in the second mode, the first shutter  886  is closed, preventing light  882  from passing through the first shutter  886  and reaching the image sensor  853  via the optical element  856 . 
     While not shown, the device  850  may include one or more sets of zoom lenses, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Additionally, while  FIGS. 8C and 8D  illustrate multiple optical elements  856  and  858 , a single optical element may be used to direct light from the first optical path  851  or the second optical path  852  toward the image sensor  853 . For example, the optical element may be a prism configured to receive light from different directions and direct the received light to the same optical path for the image sensor  853 . While the device  850  is illustrated as including the first lens  870  and the second lens  872  on a same side of the device  850 , the lenses may be configured on any suitable side or in any suitable manner (such as described above). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8C and 8D , the third optical path  854  may not be perpendicular to the image sensor  853  if stationary. In some implementations, the image sensor  853  rotates or otherwise moves to prevent perspective distortion. For example, the image sensor  853  may rotate to a first position perpendicular to the third optical path  854  in the first mode ( FIG. 8A ), and the image sensor  853  may rotate to a second position perpendicular to the third optical path  854  in the second mode (FIG.  8 B). In some other implementations, the device  850  processes images post-capture from the image sensor  853  to remove or reduce the perspective distortion. 
       FIGS. 2A-8B  illustrate moving an optical element to allow light from a second optical path to reach a third optical path and the image sensor. For example, the optical element may be laterally moved out of the second optical path during a second mode. In some other implementations, the optical element may be configured to actively direct light from a second optical path to the image sensor during a second mode. 
       FIG. 9A  is a depiction of a device  900  in a first mode configured to direct light  932  from a first optical path  901  to an image sensor  903 . The device  900  may be an example implementation of the device  100  in  FIG. 1 . During the first mode, the optical element  906  may be in a first position to direct light  932  from the first lens  920  and the first optical path  901  to the third optical path  904  and the image sensor  903 . For example, the device  900  may rotate (as illustrated by the arrow) the optical element  906  to the first position. During the first mode, the device  900  prevents the light  934  from being received at the image sensor  903 . For example, the device  900  may include a closed shutter during the first mode to prevent the light  934  from entering further into the device  900 , the optical element  906  may be positioned to prevent light  934  from reaching the image sensor  903  (as illustrated), or other means may be used to prevent the light  934  from reaching the image sensor  903 . 
       FIG. 9B  is a depiction of the device  900  in a second mode configured to direct light  934  from a second optical path  902  to an image sensor  903 . During the second mode, the optical element  906  may be in a second position to direct light  934  from the second lens  922  and the second optical path  902  to the third optical path  904  and the image sensor  903 . For example, the device  900  may rotate (as illustrated by the arrow) the optical element  906  to the second position. During the second mode, the device  900  prevents the light  932  from being received at the image sensor  903 . For example, the device  900  may include a closed shutter during the second mode to prevent the light  932  from entering further into the device  900 , the optical element  906  may be positioned to prevent light  932  from reaching the image sensor  903  (as illustrated), or other means may be used to prevent the light  932  from reaching the image sensor  903 . While not illustrated, the device  900  may include one or more sets of optical zoom lenses or other aspects as disclosed above for different implementations of a device. 
     An optical element is illustrated as being laterally moved or rotationally moved. However, the optical element may be adjusted in any suitable means to allow the device to direct light from a specific optical path to the image sensor. For example, the optical element may include one or more deformable mirrors based on micro-electric mechanical systems (MEMS), thermally deformable mirrors, electrically deformable mirrors, and so on. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustrative flow chart depicting an example operation  1000  for sharing an image sensor between multiple optical paths. While example operation  1000  and example operation  1100  ( FIG. 11 ) is described as being performed by device  100  in  FIG. 1 , operation  1000  or operation  1100  may be performed by any suitable device, including devices  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , or  900 . Additionally, while two optical paths and associated lenses sharing an image sensor are described, any number of optical paths and associated lenses may share the image sensor. For example, three or more lenses may share one image sensor. 
     Referring to the example operation  1000 , if the device  100  is in a first mode ( 1002 ), the device  100  may direct, by a first lens  120 , light along a first path in the device  100  ( 1004 ). For example, the first lens  120  may direct incoming light to a first optical path  101 . The device  100  may then direct, by an optical element, light from the first path to a third path ( 1006 ). For example, an optical element may be in a first position to direct light from a first optical path  101  to a third optical path preceding the image sensor  103 . The image sensor  103  may then receive the light from the third path ( 1012 ). Referring back to decision block  1002 , if the device  100  is not in a first mode, the device  100  may direct, by a second lens  122 , light along a second path in the device  100  ( 1008 ). For example, the second lens  122  may direct incoming light to a second optical path  102 . The device  100  may then direct light from the second path to the third path ( 1010 ). For example, an optical element may be moved into a second position to allow light from a second optical path  102  to be received at a third optical path preceding the image sensor  103 . In some implementations, the optical element may actively direct light (such as reflect light) from the second optical path to the third optical path. The light from the third path may then be received by the image sensor  103  ( 1012 ). 
     As noted above, each optical path may be associated with a different optical zoom, a different perspective, or a different field of view. The device  100  may include one or more optical lenses, various orientations of the lenses  120  and  122 , a camera module to move a first lens  120 , or other components. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustrative flow chart depicting another example operation  1100  for sharing an image sensor (such as image sensor  103 ) between multiple optical paths (such as optical paths  101  and  102 ). The operation  1100  illustrates possible differences between the optical paths and of image capture during different modes. In some implementations, a first lens  120  may receive light from outside the device  100  ( 1102 ). For example, if the first lens  120  is fixed to a side of the device  100 , the first lens  120  may be configured to receive light without reference to whether the device  100  is in a first mode or another mode (such as a second mode). For example, the first lens  120  may receive light incident to a first side (which may be referred to as from a first side) of the device  100  ( 1104 ). If the first lens is associated with a selfie mode, the first lens  120  may receive light from a front of the device  100 . If the first lens  120  is located on a rear of the device  100 , the first lens  120  may receive light from the rear of the device  100 . In some other implementations, the first lens  120  may not be exposed outside of the device  100  other than during a first mode. For example, the first lens  120  may be positioned behind a display when the device is in a second mode (using the second lens  122 ). In this manner, the first lens  120  may not always be configured to receive light from a scene outside the device. 
     At  1106 , the second lens  122  may receive light from a scene outside the device  100 . In some implementations, the second lens  122  may receive light from the first side of the device ( 1108 ), similar to the first lens  120 . For example, the first lens  120  and the second lens  122  may be located on a same side of the device  100 . In some other implementations, the second lens  122  may receive light from the second side of the device ( 1110 ). For example, the first lens  120  may be located on a front of the device  100 , and the second lens  122  may be located on a rear of the device  100 . 
     At  1112 , if the device  100  is in a first mode, the first lens  120  may be positioned outside of a display ( 1114 ). For example, if the first lens  120  is moved based on a mode of the device  100  (such as behind a display during a second mode), the device  100  may position the first lens  120  from behind the display. Otherwise, the first lens  120  may be fixed to a first side of the device or otherwise not be positioned behind a display. At  1116 , the first lens  120  may direct light received from outside the device along a first optical path  101 . 
     In some implementations, a first shutter along the second optical path  102  may be closed to block light along the second optical path  102  ( 1118 ). In some other implementations, light from the second lens  122  may not be prevented from travelling along the second optical path  102 . Referring back to the first optical path  101 , the light along the first optical path  101  may be adjusted by a first set of optical zoom lenses in some implementations ( 1120 ). At  1122 , the light also may be directed by an optical element from the first optical path  101  to a third optical path preceding the image sensor  103 . In some implementations, the device  100  may move the optical element to a first position when the device  100  is in the first mode ( 1124 ). The image sensor  103  may then receive the light from the third optical path ( 1138 ). 
     Referring back to decision block  1112 , if the device  100  is not in the first mode (such as the device being in a second mode), the device  100  may position the first lens  120  behind a display in some implementations ( 1126 ). In some other implementations, the first lens  120  may not be hidden behind a display. For example, the first lens  120  may be located on a rear of the device  100 , in a notch of the display, in a punch hole of the display, in a border of the device  100  outside the display, and so on. 
     At  1128 , the second lens  122  may direct light received from outside the device  100  along the second optical path  102 . In some implementations, a second shutter along the first optical path  101  may be closed to block light along the first optical path  101  ( 1130 ). In some other implementations, light may not be received at the first lens  120  if the first lens  120  is behind a display. In some other implementations, light may not be prevented from travelling along the first optical path  101 . 
     Referring back to the second optical path  102 , the light along the second optical path  102  may be adjusted by a second set of optical zoom lenses in some implementations ( 1132 ). In some other implementations, only the first optical path  101  may include a set of zoom lenses, and the light along the second optical path  102  may not be adjusted by a set of zoom lenses. At  1134 , the light along the second optical path  102  may be directed to the third optical path preceding the image sensor  103 . In some implementations, the device  100  may move the optical element to a second position when the device  100  is in the second mode ( 1136 ). For example, the optical element may be moved out of the second optical path  102  to allow light from the second optical path  102  to reach the third optical path. In another example, the optical element may be moved (such as rotated) to a second position to reflect light from the second optical path  102  to the third optical path. The image sensor  103  may then receive the light from the third optical path ( 1138 ). In this manner, the image sensor  103  may capture images based on light from the first lens  120  or the second lens  122 . 
     The techniques described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, unless specifically described as being implemented in a specific manner. Any features described as modules or components may also be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques may be realized at least in part by a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium (such as the memory  306  in the example device  300  of  FIG. 3 ) comprising instructions  308  that, when executed by the processor  304  (or the camera controller  310  or the image signal processor  312  or another suitable component), cause the device  300  to perform one or more of the methods described above. The non-transitory processor-readable data storage medium may form part of a computer program product, which may include packaging materials. 
     The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium may comprise random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory, other known storage media, and the like. The techniques additionally, or alternatively, may be realized at least in part by a processor-readable communication medium that carries or communicates code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed, read, and/or executed by a computer or other processor. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits and instructions described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be executed by one or more processors, such as the processor  304  or the image signal processor  312  in the example device  300  of  FIG. 3 . Such processor(s) may include but are not limited to one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. The term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated software modules or hardware modules configured as described herein. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     While the present disclosure shows illustrative aspects, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, a camera may not be from a multiple camera system when performing one or more operations described in the present disclosure. For example, a device may include a single camera, and the frame capture rate of the single camera may be adjusted in placing the camera into and out of a low power mode. Additionally, the functions, steps or actions of the method claims in accordance with aspects described herein need not be performed in any particular order unless expressly stated otherwise. For example, the steps of the described example operations, if performed by the device  300 , the camera controller  310 , the processor  304 , the image signal processor  312 , one or both of the cameras  301  and  302 , or another suitable component, may be performed in any order and at any frequency. Furthermore, although elements may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. For example, synchronizing frame capture may be performed for more than two cameras with overlapping fields of capture. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to the illustrated examples and any means for performing the functionality described herein are included in aspects of the disclosure.