Digital Camera Autofocus Dynamic Signal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital image capturing devices require a fixed operational time for automatic focusing, leading to prolonged operating times and memory occupation by static operational parameters, which is inefficient and occupies memory.

Innovation Solution

A digital image capturing device with a processor, timing generator, and focusing motor that dynamically adjusts the focusing process by activating pre-control and control signals to optimize the focusing motor's movement, allowing for immediate image capture without the need for a predetermined operational time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed predetermined time period is used for automatic focusing, then the focusing process is simple to implement, but the operating time is prolonged and memory is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of focusing implementationVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed predetermined time period with a dynamic focusing mechanism that uses pre-control signals and control signals to adjust the focusing motor's operation in real-time. The system transitions from static time-based control to dynamic signal-based control, allowing the focusing process to adapt to actual conditions and eliminate unnecessary waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by introducing a pre-control signal that is activated before the actual focusing process. This pre-control signal prepares the timing generator and focusing motor in advance, enabling the system to start the focusing process immediately without waiting for a predetermined time period to elapse, thus reducing overall operating time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a fixed predetermined time period is stored in advance, then the focusing control is straightforward, but memory is occupied by static operational parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of focusing controlVSAvoidmemory occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the fixed predetermined time period parameter from memory storage. Instead of storing static operational parameters in advance, the system extracts the timing control function and implements it through dynamic signals generated on-demand, thereby eliminating the need for memory occupation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static stored parameters to dynamic signal generation. The timing generator creates control signals in real-time based on the pre-control signal, eliminating the need to store fixed time periods in memory while maintaining straightforward control operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a buffer period is added to account for delays, then the focusing reliability is improved, but the operating time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing reliabilityVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using control signals that continuously monitor and adjust the focusing motor's position and speed. The system receives feedback about the actual focusing progress and adjusts the timing accordingly, eliminating the need for buffer periods while maintaining reliability through real-time adaptation rather than predetermined time allowances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7693403B2Method of performing automatic focus and a related digital image capturing device
Publication Date: 2010.04.06 ALTEK CORP
  • US7693403B2 patent drawing
  • US7693403B2 patent drawing
  • US7693403B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of performing an automatic focusing procedure is used with a digital image capturing device. The method includes the steps of: executing an image capturing procedure; activating a pre-control signal by a processor; activating a control signal by a timing generator; executing an automatic focusing procedure; clearing the pre-control signal and the control signal immediately after the automatic focusing procedure is executed; and executing an exposure procedure.