Camera Activation via Illuminance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with cameras often produce blurry or obscure photographs or videos due to shaking or rattling when a physical or virtual button is clicked to activate the camera.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that activate camera functions based on illuminance detected by the device, allowing users to take photos or record videos without physically touching the camera activation button, thereby minimizing device movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical or virtual button is clicked to activate the camera, then the camera can be activated to take photographs or record videos, but the device shakes or rattles causing blurry or obscure images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera activationVSAvoidimage clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical detection system. The camera activates automatically when the illuminance sensor detects a sudden decrease in light levels, indicating an object (such as a finger) has covered another camera lens. This substitution eliminates the mechanical action that causes device shaking while maintaining user control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an illuminance sensor as an intermediary between the user's intent and the camera activation. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the sensor mediates the activation process by detecting changes in light levels, thereby triggering the camera without requiring physical button pressing that causes device instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are provided in the device, then users can take photos from different perspectives, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotography capabilityVSAvoidcamera system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the illuminance sensor serve multiple functions: it not only detects ambient light levels for exposure control but also acts as a trigger mechanism for camera activation. By covering one camera to activate another, the system uses the sensor's light detection capability for dual purposes, reducing the need for separate activation hardware and simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables clear photography and video recording by automatically activating camera functions when a user places an object, such as a finger, before another camera, reducing the likelihood of device shaking and rattling.

Implementation Method 1

the camera measures a current illuminance value received by the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIlluminance detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3245780B1Camera activation and illuminance

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed herein are an electronic device and method for activating a camera. It is identified whether the illuminance received by a second camera is below a threshold. When the illuminance received by the second camera falls below the threshold a predefined function is performed such as activating a first camera.