Camera Exposure Control via Indoor Outdoor Environment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems struggle to accurately determine whether they are indoors or outdoors, leading to suboptimal image quality due to reliance on object brightness and sensitivity, resulting in unintended exposure and backlight issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a combination of GPS, WiFi, and light sensors, along with sun vector data, to automatically adjust camera settings to either indoor or outdoor modes based on specific threshold conditions, ensuring optimal exposure and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If exposure determination is based solely on object brightness and sensitivity, then the camera can automatically control exposure, but the resulting photographs do not convey the intended appearance and image quality is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification system that uses environmental indicators (GPS location, time of day, light sensor readings) to determine whether the camera is indoors or outdoors. This intermediary classification enables the system to select appropriate exposure parameters from pre-defined sets, thereby achieving both automation and high image quality without requiring complex real-time analysis of lighting conditions
2Ease of operation
If the camera uses automatic exposure control based on object brightness, then exposure can be adjusted automatically, but backlighting conditions cause the object of interest to appear darker than the background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of the shooting environment (indoor vs. outdoor) using GPS coordinates, time of day, and light sensor data before capturing the image. Based on this preliminary classification, the system pre-sets appropriate exposure parameters including exposure compensation values that specifically address backlighting conditions. This preliminary action ensures that when backlighting occurs, the camera is already configured with the correct exposure settings to prevent the object from appearing too dark
3Measurement precision
If the camera system uses multiple sensors and complex threshold comparisons to determine indoor/outdoor status, then environment detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the environment detection process into distinct, independent modules: GPS module for location determination, time module for time of day extraction, light sensor module for luminance measurement, and classification logic for indoor/outdoor determination. Each module operates independently with simple functions, and the results are combined through a decision tree algorithm. This segmentation maintains high detection accuracy while keeping each component simple and manageable
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
The solution effectively improves image quality by accurately determining the environment and adjusting camera settings accordingly, enhancing exposure and detail preservation in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
LUX reading of a light sensor
Implementation Method 2
received signal strength indicator, RSSI, reading of a global positioning system, GPS, sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Various disclosed embodiments include methods and systems that automatically adjust camera functions of an electronic device to provide improved image quality by determining whether the electronic device is being operated indoors or outdoors.