Camera Power Converter Frequency Switching for Low-Light Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power-related noise occurs in images taken by a camera in dark, low-light environments due to periodic switching in the analog power reference of the camera sensor.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that adjusts the switching frequency of the power converter based on ambient illuminance levels, switching to a higher frequency when low-light conditions are detected to reduce noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the converter operates at a specific switching frequency, then power conversion efficiency is maintained, but power-related noise occurs in low-light images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidpower-related noise in images
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the switching frequency adjustable rather than fixed. The processor dynamically changes the switching frequency between first and second frequencies based on ambient illuminance detection, allowing the system to adapt to different lighting conditions and eliminate noise while maintaining power conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the switching frequency parameter based on illuminance conditions. When low illuminance is detected, the system switches from a first frequency to a second frequency, altering the operational parameter to prevent noise generation while maintaining effective power conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the switching frequency is changed to reduce noise, then image quality improves, but power conversion characteristics may change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower conversion characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring ambient illuminance through the illuminance sensor and using this information to adjust the switching frequency. The processor receives illuminance data and automatically modifies the power converter's operating frequency, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on real-time illuminance conditions. The processor switches between different frequency modes depending on whether the environment is bright or dark, allowing the system to optimize both image quality and power conversion characteristics for each condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the converter operates in high frequency mode, then power conversion speed increases, but noise may be generated in low-light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion speedVSAvoidnoise in low-light images
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the switching frequency dynamic rather than static. The system operates at a first frequency under normal conditions for efficient power conversion, then switches to a second frequency when low illuminance is detected to prevent noise, allowing the system to adapt its conversion speed to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the switching frequency parameter based on illuminance levels. The processor detects low-light conditions and modifies the operating frequency parameter to eliminate noise generation, while maintaining adequate power conversion speed for camera module operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4283970B1Electronic device for removing low-light noise, and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4283970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4283970B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4283970B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises a power converter, a camera module including a camera, and a processor, wherein the processor can be configured to: confirm a first luminance value of the surroundings of the electronic device when a switching frequency of the power converter transmitting power to the camera module is a first frequency; determine whether the first luminance value satisfies a first reference; and set the switching frequency of the power converter as a second frequency, which differs from the first frequency, on the basis that the first luminance value satisfies the first reference.