Camera Autofocus Orientation Adjustment via Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable electronic device camera modules employing Voice-Coil Motor (VCM) for auto-focus face challenges due to gravitational force influencing the range of motion of the lens assembly, leading to longer focus times or failure to find the peak focus value, especially when device orientation changes.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an accelerometer to determine device orientation relative to gravity, adjusting the autofocus procedure to account for this orientation and temporarily suspending the AF process during rapid orientation changes to conserve power, using a processor and memory to execute instructions for determining the optimal focus position based on image data and orientation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the VCM assembly is used for auto-focus in portable devices, then the hardware integration is easy and the structure is durable, but the gravitational force restricts the range of motion of the lens assembly depending on device orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the autofocus search range based on detected device orientation. The system determines the orientation of the portable device and accordingly modifies the range of lens movement that the autofocus algorithm explores, adapting to gravitational constraints in real-time to maintain focusing capability across different orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of search range based on device orientation. By detecting orientation and adjusting the autofocus search range parameter accordingly, the system compensates for gravitational restrictions on lens motion, allowing the autofocus function to operate effectively regardless of how the device is held
2Manufacturing precision
If the autofocus search procedure adjusts lens distance multiple times to find peak focus, then image sharpness is achieved, but the process takes longer time especially when gravity restricts lens movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by determining device orientation before executing the autofocus search procedure. By knowing the orientation in advance, the system can pre-calculate the appropriate search range and start the autofocus process from a more informed position, reducing the number of adjustments needed and accelerating focus acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring device orientation and using this information to guide the autofocus search. The system receives orientation data, processes it to determine the optimal search range, and applies this feedback to constrain and direct the autofocus algorithm, making the focusing process more efficient and faster
3Reliability
If the autofocus procedure runs continuously to maintain focus, then image quality is preserved, but power is wasted during rapid orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically controls the autofocus procedure based on orientation change detection. When rapid orientation changes are detected, the system temporarily suspends the autofocus procedure to conserve power. When orientation stabilizes, the autofocus procedure resumes, maintaining image quality only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by conditionally executing the autofocus procedure. Instead of running continuously, the system periodically checks orientation stability and only executes autofocus when conditions are favorable (i.e., when the device is not undergoing rapid orientation changes), thereby saving energy while maintaining image quality
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 autofocus performance by accurately determining the focus position across various device orientations, ensuring efficient and consistent image sharpness without power wastage during orientation flux.
Implementation Method 1
a relative motion between the image sensor and the lens is generated by the repellence of the magnetic fields produced by the electric current going through the coil
Implementation Method 2
gravitational force applied to the moving component may restrict or alter its movement and can influence the range of allowable movement of the lens with respect to the image sensor depending on the orientation of the device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system for enhancing camera focusing on a portable electronic device is disclosed. The system comprises a body, a bus, and a camera module coupled to the bus and comprising a photosensitive substrate and a lens assembly wherein the lens assembly comprises a lens capable of being selectively moved to a distance from the photosensitive substrate for light focus thereon. Further, it comprises an accelerometer coupled to the bus and configured to generate orientation information, said orientation information indicating contemporaneous orientation of the body with respect to a predetermined reference. It also comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the bus. The memory comprises instructions that when executed implement an autofocus program configured to automatically determine the distance based on: 1) image data captured by said camera module; and 2) the orientation information generated by the accelerometer.