Camera Module Shutter-Lag Reduction via Dynamic Resolution Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules experience shutter-lag due to the delay between pressing the shutter button and capturing the image, which is exacerbated by maintaining high resolution in preview mode, leading to unnecessary power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The camera module maintains a low resolution in preview mode and switches to high resolution in capture preparation mode in response to a capture preparation signal, eliminating shutter-lag and reducing power consumption by optimizing image sensor output resolution based on operational modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor output image is maintained at high resolution in preview mode, then the image quality is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the resolution of the sensor output image adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between low resolution in preview mode and high resolution in capture preparation mode, allowing the image quality and power consumption characteristics to change based on operational requirements. This is achieved through a control unit that adjusts the resolution parameter according to the current mode of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies parameter changes by modifying the resolution parameter of the sensor output image. In preview mode, the resolution is set to a lower value to reduce power consumption, while in capture preparation mode, the resolution is increased to high values to ensure image quality. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If the resolution is switched from low to high in preview mode to eliminate shutter-lag, then the shutter-lag is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter-lagVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the resolution switch from low to high before the actual capture moment. When a capture preparation signal is detected, the system proactively increases the resolution to high in advance, ensuring that when the capture signal is received, the sensor is already operating at high resolution, thereby eliminating shutter-lag. This preliminary resolution adjustment prevents the time delay without requiring continuous high resolution operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies periodic action by switching the resolution state based on periodic mode changes between preview and capture preparation modes. The resolution is not continuously high but is periodically adjusted to high resolution only when needed for capture preparation, and returned to low resolution during preview mode. This periodic switching eliminates shutter-lag during capture while maintaining low power consumption during preview.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the sensor operates continuously at high resolution, then the image capture quality is improved, but unnecessary power is consumed during preview mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture qualityVSAvoidunnecessary power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor's resolution capability adjustable rather than fixed at high resolution. The control unit dynamically changes the resolution parameter based on the operational mode, switching to low resolution during preview mode to eliminate unnecessary power consumption, and switching to high resolution in capture preparation mode to ensure image capture quality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between continuous high quality and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies parameter changes by modifying the resolution parameter of the sensor output image based on operational mode. During preview mode, the resolution parameter is set to a lower value to reduce power consumption, while in capture preparation mode, it is increased to a high value to ensure image quality. This parameter adjustment strategy eliminates unnecessary energy loss while preserving capture quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9232125B2Method of eliminating a shutter-lag, camera module, and mobile device having the same

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of reducing shutter-lag in a camera image sensor may include maintaining a sensor output image to have a low resolution in a preview mode of a camera image sensor; changing a resolution of the sensor output image from a low resolution to a high resolution in response to a capture preparation signal to change an operation mode of the camera image sensor from a preview mode to a capture preparation mode, the low resolution being a resolution equal to or below a reference resolution, the high resolution being a resolution above the reference resolution; and capturing the sensor output image in response to a capture signal in the capture preparation mode of the camera image sensor.