Camera Control System for Power-Constrained Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Devices with multiple cameras face rapid battery depletion when both cameras are enabled, leading to potential power exhaustion during photo-taking, especially when the battery is low, causing the device to shut down.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine the remaining battery power and select either one or both cameras based on their hardware parameters, enabling power-saving by disabling less efficient cameras when the battery is low, and allowing both to function when power is sufficient, utilizing a low-power control mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both cameras are enabled to provide comprehensive photo-taking capability, then the photo-taking functionality is improved, but the battery power depletes rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto-taking capabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts camera selection based on real-time battery power levels. When battery power is sufficient, both cameras can be used; when battery power is low, only one camera is selected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining photo-taking versatility and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (number of active cameras) based on battery power conditions. By monitoring battery power and adjusting camera selection accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between functional capability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If both cameras are used for photo-taking, then the photo quality and options are improved, but the device may shut down due to power exhaustion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto-taking reliabilityVSAvoiddevice shutdown risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of battery power before enabling camera functionality. By checking battery power in advance and preventing the activation of both cameras when power is insufficient, the system avoids the harmful outcome of device shutdown during photo-taking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors battery power levels and uses this feedback to adjust camera selection. This closed-loop control ensures that camera operations are always within the safe power margin, preventing device shutdown while maintaining reliable photo-taking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the system selectively disables cameras to save power, then battery life is extended, but the photo-taking capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidcamera functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by enabling only the necessary number of cameras based on battery power availability. Instead of always enabling all cameras or never enabling them, the system enables exactly what is needed given the current power state, optimizing the trade-off between battery life and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10033920B2Method for controlling cameras, non-transitory storage medium and terminal

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 QINGDAO HISENSE MOBILE COMM TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Some Embodiments of the application discloses a method and apparatus for controlling cameras, the method including: receiving a request message for selecting at least one camera; obtaining the current amount of remaining power in the terminal; determining whether the current amount of remaining power satisfies a predetermined condition; and if so, then obtaining first hardware parameter information of the first camera, and second hardware parameter information of the second camera, and selecting one or more of the cameras according to the first hardware parameter information and the second hardware parameter information.