Week after week, year after year, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) applies for and is granted a variety of patents. We have covered these in the past (see how this technology could change the future), and will continue to do so well into the future.
Apple has been granted a patent related that has the ability to change the performance of its smartphone camera, thanks to new technology related to scene adaptive auto exposure.
This may sound confusing, but if Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) moves forward with this technology it will undoubtedly improve the overall performance of its iPhone camera.
Here is abstract from the official Apple patent:
“Systems, methods, and a computer readable medium for an improved automatic exposure algorithm attempt to classify an image into a particular “scene category,” and, based on the determined scene category, meter the scene according to a generated metering weighting matrix. In one embodiment, the average luminance is calculated for a central exposure metering region of the image and a plurality of peripheral exposure metering regions surrounding the central exposure metering region. Based on comparisons of the average luminance values of the peripheral exposure regions to the average luminance of the central exposure region, a target metering weighting matrix may be generated. In another embodiment, the scene category corresponds to a predetermined metering weighting matrix. In video applications, it may be desirable to reduce oscillations in metering parameter values to limit any visually jarring effects on the camera’s preview screen by only adjusting metering parameter values when predetermined criteria are met.”
To go along with the benefits this would offer users during standard camera mode, it could do the same while shooting video. According to the patent, in video applications, the technology could be used to “reduce oscillations in metering parameter values to limit any visually jarring effects on the camera’s preview screen caused by rapidly changing exposure parameters.”
This is one of those patents from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) that appears to bring a lot to the table, but the average person will never know for sure unless Cupertino decides to implement it into a future device.
The patent was initially filed for on May 25, 2010. The inventors are listed as Frank Doepke and Ralph Brunner.
If you are interested in reading the patent in its entirety, while also viewing images, visit the official page for this Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) patent.