Auto-Focus Activation via Static State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of digital cameras with two-stage shutter designs often struggle to enable the auto-focus function correctly, leading to poorly focused images due to unfamiliarity with the shutter design and difficulty in timing the press of the first-stage shutter.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device method that detects when it is in a static state for a specific time period, enabling the auto-focus function and switching to focusing mode, using a static state detecting module and auto-focus module to compare preview images for variations in pixel brightness or edge positions to determine stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a two-stage shutter design is used to enable auto-focus function, then the auto-focus capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must know the specific timing to press the first-stage shutter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto-focus capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects whether the device is in a static state by comparing preview images and autonomously enables or disables the auto-focus function without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for users to understand timing requirements while maintaining reliable auto-focus capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the static state by continuously comparing preview images before the user intends to capture. By anticipating the user's intent through static state detection, the system pre-enables or pre-disables the auto-focus function, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing auto-focus reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If manual activation of auto-focus is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to repeated practice needed to master the shutter timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines when to enable auto-focus by detecting static states through preview image comparison, eliminating the need for users to practice timing. This increases productivity by allowing immediate correct operation while adding minimal complexity through automated detection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors preview images for changes and provides feedback about the static state to the auto-focus control logic. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adaptively control auto-focus activation, improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8319838B2Method for enabling auto-focus function, electronic device thereof, recording medium thereof, and computer program product using the method

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 HTC CORP

AI summary

A method for enabling an auto-focus function, an electronic device thereof, a recording medium thereof, and a computer program product using the method are provided for the electronic device having a function of capturing images. In the present method, whether the electronic device is in a static state is first detected. If the electronic device is remained in the static state for a first time period, an auto-focus function is enabled and the electronic device is switched to the focusing mode. As a result, a user no longer needs to start the auto-focus function manually, and convenience and fluency of capturing images can be increased substantially.