Camera Module Ranging Radar Focus Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal focusing technologies using infrared laser sensors are inflexible and impractical, especially for distant objects, as they require manual alignment and have limited focusing distance, leading to poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a ranging radar that determines the reference distance between the target object and the camera module quickly and accurately, allowing for flexible focus adjustment within a wider viewing angle range, using a millimeter wave radar for precise distance measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment is used for focusing, then the infrared laser sensor can detect distance, but the operation becomes inflexible and impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidfocusing operation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal automatically performs focusing without requiring manual alignment operations. The processor automatically adjusts the lens position based on distance information obtained from the ranging radar or infrared laser sensor, eliminating the need for users to manually align the device while maintaining accurate distance measurement and focus capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If infrared laser sensor is used for distance detection, then distance can be measured, but the focusing distance range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement capabilityVSAvoidfocusing distance range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal employs multiple distance detection mechanisms working together: the ranging radar provides distance measurement for distant objects, while the infrared laser sensor handles closer distances. This multi-functional approach allows the system to accurately measure distances across a wide range, from near to far, enabling versatile focusing capability for various shooting scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the terminal is moved for alignment, then the target object can be centered, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget positioning accuracyVSAvoidfocusing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated electronic control. The processor calculates the required lens adjustment based on distance information and automatically controls the lens driving mechanism to position the lens correctly, eliminating the need for users to physically move and align the device while maintaining accurate target positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of focus adjustment, enabling focusing on any object within the viewing angle range, thus improving the practicality and flexibility of the focusing process.

Implementation Method 1

a ranging radar is provided in the terminal; the ranging radar is configured to obtain a reference distance between a target object to be focused and the camera module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

using a millimeter wave radar for precise distance measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3667365B1Camera module and ranging radar
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3667365B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3667365B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3667365B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a terminal, a focusing method and apparatus. The terminal (10) includes a ranging radar (102) configured to obtain a reference distance between a target object to be focused and a camera module (101), wherein an antenna radiation angle of the ranging radar (102) covers a viewing angle of the camera module (101), and wherein the camera module (101) is configured to adjust a photographing focus of the camera module (101) to a position where the target object is located based on the reference distance.