Autofocus System Using Orientation Sensors for Speed and Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction digital image capture devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, face limitations in autofocus speed and resolution due to the fixed number of lens positions and range of motion used in their autofocus operations, which do not adapt to the device's orientation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an orientation sensor, like an accelerometer, to dynamically adjust the autofocus operation by reducing the number of lens positions or the range of motion based on the device's orientation, allowing for faster or higher-resolution autofocus by setting the autofocus mode to either FAST or HIGH-RESOLUTION.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the autofocus operation uses a fixed number of lens positions and full range of motion, then the autofocus resolution is maintained, but the autofocus speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the autofocus parameters (range of motion and number of points of interest) variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters based on device orientation data from sensors, allowing the autofocus operation to adapt between speed-optimized and resolution-optimized configurations depending on the shooting scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the autofocus operation (range of motion and number of points of interest) based on device orientation. When the device is held steady, the system reduces the range of motion and/or number of points to improve speed. When the device is moving or oriented for high-detail capture, the system maintains full parameters for resolution. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and resolution.
2Speed
If the autofocus operation reduces the number of lens positions to increase speed, then the autofocus speed improves, but the autofocus resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of points of interest and range of motion based on real-time device orientation data. Accelerometer and gyroscope readings determine whether the device is stable or moving, allowing the system to optimize between speed and resolution on a per-shot basis rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the autofocus parameters (number of points of interest and range of motion) according to device orientation and motion state. When the device is detected to be moving or held at orientations where high resolution is less critical, the system reduces parameters for speed. When stability is detected, full parameters are used for resolution, resolving the speed-resolution tradeoff.
3Measurement precision
If the autofocus operation uses the full range of motion, then the autofocus resolution is maintained, but the time required for autofocus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of device orientation and motion state before executing the autofocus operation. Based on this preliminary information from orientation sensors, the system pre-determines the appropriate range of motion and number of points of interest, avoiding unnecessary lens movements and evaluations that would waste time while maintaining required resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the autofocus parameters (range of motion and number of points of interest) based on device orientation and stability detection. When the device is detected to be moving or in orientations where full range is unnecessary, the system reduces the range of motion parameter to decrease autofocus time while maintaining adequate resolution for the shooting conditions.
4Speed
If the autofocus operation reduces the range of motion to improve speed, then the autofocus speed improves, but the autofocus resolution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the range of motion parameter based on real-time device orientation data from accelerometers and gyroscopes. The range is reduced when device movement or orientation suggests it is safe to do so for speed improvement, but maintained or restored when stability indicates full range is needed for resolution, creating a dynamic balance between speed and resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the range of motion parameter according to device orientation and motion state detection. By changing this parameter adaptively rather than using a fixed value, the system achieves faster autofocus when conditions permit while maintaining adequate resolution when conditions require it, resolving the contradiction between speed and resolution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the speed or resolution of autofocus operations by optimizing the number of points-of-interest and range of motion, thereby improving the overall performance of digital image capture devices.
Implementation Method 1
determining the orientation of the device based at least in part on the signal from an orientation sensor. One illustrative orientation sensor is an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for dynamically adjusting an image capture device's autofocus (AF) operation based, at least in part, on the device's orientation are described. In general, information about an image capture device's orientation may be used to either increase the speed or improve the resolution of autofocus operations. More particularly, orientation information such as that available from an accelerometer may be used to reduce the number of lens positions (points-of-interest) used during an autofocus operation, thereby improving the operation's speed. Alternatively, orientation information may be used to reduce the lens' range of motion while maintaining the number of points-of-interest, thereby improving the operation's resolution.