Camera Module Pre-configuration for Subject Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices face inefficiencies in image capture due to the need to manually adjust focus between subjects, leading to longer photographing times and reduced user experience.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device method that uses phase difference information to identify subjects and calculate photography parameters, such as lens position and flash settings, prior to a photographing command, allowing for pre-configuration of camera settings before image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device moves the lens to focus on another subject and waits to detect a photographing command, then the camera can capture images at different focal positions, but the photographing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidphotographing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating photography parameters (lens positions, exposure settings) for multiple focal positions before the user actually takes the photo. The phase difference information is analyzed in advance to identify the subject and determine optimal focus settings, so that when the photographing command is received, the camera is already prepared with pre-computed parameters, eliminating the time delay that would otherwise occur during parameter calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the photography parameters based on real-time phase difference information from the sensor module. Instead of using fixed or manual focus settings, the system continuously monitors phase difference data and automatically updates the lens position and other photography parameters to match the detected subject distance, enabling adaptive focus adjustment without manual intervention or time-consuming manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual focus adjustment is required between subjects, then the camera can focus on different subjects, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubject switching capabilityVSAvoidfocus adjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system performs self-service by automatically identifying the subject using phase difference information and autonomously determining the appropriate photography parameters without requiring manual user input. The computation module analyzes the phase difference data, identifies the subject's position and distance, and automatically configures the lens position and other settings, freeing the user from manual focus adjustment operations entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the sensor module's phase difference information to continuously monitor and adjust focus settings. The phase difference data provides real-time feedback about the distance to the subject, which the computation module uses to automatically adjust the lens position and photography parameters, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing subjects without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach reduces the time required for image capture by pre-configuring camera settings based on subject identification, enhancing user experience and efficiency in image processing.

Implementation Method 1

phase difference information collected through the sensor module comprises information on a distance between a camera module and the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase difference:

Data Source

PatentEP3110134B1Electronic device and method for processing image
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3110134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3110134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3110134B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device and a method for processing an image are disclosed, and according to various examples, an operation of the electronic device can include an operation controlling a computation module so as to identify a subject from image data and calculating photography parameters on the basis of the identified subject, and an operation providing the calculated photography parameters to a camera module through a control module prior to a photographing command of a user, and other examples can be carried out.