Camera Module Power Saving Mode Lens Synchronization

Solution Overview

Problem

Camera systems in mobile devices face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining image quality and stability, particularly during autofocus and optical image stabilization operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power saving mode where the timing of lens movement is synchronized with frame capture, using an actuator to hold the lens or image sensor at a focus position during exposure and moving it to a neutral position during blanking intervals, reducing power consumption by minimizing continuous movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lens or image sensor is held at focus position continuously, then image quality and stability are maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality and stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing lens movement with the camera's frame capture cycle. The lens is held at focus position during integration time periods when images are captured, then moved to neutral position during blanking intervals when no capture occurs. This periodic holding and moving pattern maintains image quality during capture while reducing power consumption during non-capture periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the lens holding behavior adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts lens position based on the capture cycle - holding at focus during integration time, moving to neutral during blanking intervals. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize between image quality maintenance and power consumption reduction based on actual operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lens moves continuously to maintain focus, then autofocus functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautofocus functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing lens movement with the camera's frame capture cycle. The lens is held at focus position during integration time periods when images are captured, then moved to neutral position during blanking intervals when no capture occurs. This periodic holding and moving pattern maintains image quality during capture while reducing power consumption during non-capture periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the lens position parameter based on the capture cycle. During integration time, the lens position is set to focus position for optimal image quality. During blanking intervals, the lens position parameter is changed to neutral position to reduce power consumption. This parameter adaptation enables autofocus functionality when needed while minimizing energy usage when not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the lens remains at focus position during blanking intervals, then focus stability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing lens movement with the camera's frame capture cycle. The lens is held at focus position during integration time periods when images are captured, then moved to neutral position during blanking intervals when no capture occurs. This periodic holding and moving pattern maintains image quality during capture while reducing power consumption during non-capture periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11202007B1Camera movement control for reduced power consumption

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 APPLE INC

AI summary

Various embodiments include camera movement control for reduced power consumption. Some embodiments, for example, may include operating a camera module in a power saving mode, in which focus movement control may be synchronized with frame capture. According to some examples, such synchronization may include holding a position (e.g., a focus position) of a lens group and/or an image sensor of the camera module during some integration time periods. Furthermore, such synchronization may include enabling power saving movement (e.g., between a focus position and a neutral position) of the lens group and/or the image sensor during some other time periods, such as during intervals (e.g., blanking intervals) between integration time periods, and/or during integration time periods for image frames that are expendable.