Auto-Focusing Device Using Sensor Data for Target Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users experience poor shooting experiences due to tedious manual-focusing operations when the viewfinder is moved after initial focusing, causing deviations between the focal point and the intended target in camera-equipped intelligent terminals.

Innovation Solution

An auto-focusing method that acquires spatial data of the target object after initial manual focusing, calculates adjustments based on sensor data from acceleration and direction sensors to maintain focus on the target as the viewfinder moves, and adjusts the lens position to maintain image clarity without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual-focusing is used to focus on a target object, then focusing precision is achieved, but operation complexity increases and user experience deteriorates when the viewfinder moves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating the new focal point position based on viewfinder movement data and automatically adjusting the lens to maintain focus on the target object, eliminating the need for user intervention after initial manual focusing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from acceleration sensors and direction sensors to detect viewfinder movement, calculates the deviation of the focal point from the target object, and adjusts the lens accordingly to maintain proper focus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the camera automatically focuses to the center of the viewfinder after manual-focusing, then focusing speed is improved, but focusing precision deteriorates due to deviation from the original target

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing speedVSAvoidfocusing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback from sensors to detect viewfinder movement and calculates the new position of the target object, enabling the camera to automatically refocus precisely on the target rather than simply to the center

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the target object's new position based on viewfinder movement data before executing the refocusing operation, ensuring both speed and precision are achieved

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If repeated manual-focusing operations are performed to maintain focus on the target, then focusing precision is maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing precisionVSAvoidshooting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically maintains focus on the target object by detecting viewfinder movement and adjusting the lens without requiring repeated user operations, significantly improving shooting efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors viewfinder movement through sensors and continuously adjusts the lens position to maintain focus, ensuring uninterrupted focusing precision throughout the shooting process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3038345B1Auto-focusing method and auto-focusing device
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3038345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3038345B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3038345B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an auto-focusing method and an auto-focusing device. The method includes: when manual-focusing is finished through tapping a target object in a viewfinder by a user, acquiring (101) first spatial data of the target object; when detecting that contents of a found view in the viewfinder change, acquiring (102) position variation data; calculating (103) second spatial data of the target object according to the first spatial data and the position variation data; and performing (104) auto-focusing on the target object according to the second spatial data. Thus, the present invention may avoid manual-focusing operations when the contents of the found view change, simplify the focusing operation flows, increase the focusing speed, and accordingly improve the shooting experience of the user.