Auto Focus Control in Electronic Device Camcorder Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with camera capabilities face a limitation in performing the Auto Focus (AF) function during camcorder recording, as the recording module controls the camera driver independently, preventing the camera module from operating the AF function.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allow the recording module to access and control the camera module during a recording process, enabling the AF function by using a processor to manage both modules and perform AF requests, thereby allowing automatic focusing and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the recording module controls the camera driver independently during camcorder recording, then the recording function operates autonomously, but the AF function cannot be performed because the camera module cannot operate the camera driver
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the recording module and the camera module. When an AF request is detected during recording, the processor intervenes to control the camera processing unit to perform the AF function, then returns control to the recording module. This mediator approach allows the AF function to be performed without compromising the recording module's autonomous control of the camera driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches control modes based on operational needs. During normal recording, the recording module maintains autonomous control. When an AF request is detected, control dynamically transfers to the processor which coordinates the camera module to perform AF, then control returns to the recording module. This dynamic control allocation resolves the contradiction between autonomous recording and AF functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the camera module and recording module operate independently, then each module can function autonomously, but the AF function cannot be performed during recording because the camera module cannot control the camera driver
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control capabilities of both modules through the processor. The processor combines the autonomous operation capability of the recording module with the AF processing capability of the camera processing unit. When needed, the processor integrates both modules' functions by having the camera processing unit perform AF while the recording module continues recording, achieving both independence and coordinated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor provides multi-functionality by serving both as the controller for autonomous recording operations and as the coordinator for AF functions. The same processor that manages the recording module's autonomous operation also handles AF requests by controlling the camera processing unit, making the system universally capable of both independent module operation and coordinated AF functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the recording module occupies the camera driver exclusively, then recording operations are stable and uninterrupted, but other modules cannot control the camera driver to perform AF function
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic control transitions rather than exclusive occupation. The recording module maintains stable control during normal operation, but periodically yields control to the processor when an AF request is detected. This periodic action allows the camera driver to be accessed by different modules at appropriate times, maintaining recording stability while enabling AF functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control allocation is dynamic rather than static. The recording module occupies the camera driver during normal recording operations, but this occupation is not exclusive or permanent. When an AF request occurs, control dynamically shifts to allow the camera processing unit to access the camera driver through the processor, then returns to the recording module. This dynamic allocation maintains stability while enabling versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for performing an Auto Focus (AF) function in an electronic device which does not perform the AF function while performing a camcorder function are provided. The apparatus includes a camera for receiving a photographing data, a camera processing unit for performing any one of a still picture acquisition function and an AF function, a recording processing unit for performing a function for recording the photographing data, a camera driver for operating the camera under control of the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit, and a processor for controlling the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit when detecting an AF request while photographing a moving picture to focus on the photographing data automatically and to record the focused photographing data.