Camera Signal Interference Reduction via Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras face interference issues between electronic circuits, such as slant stripes in photographed images due to unwanted coupling, which worsens with camera compactness and thinness, and existing shielding mechanisms increase weight, volume, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A camera design that prevents display-related signals from transferring to the display panel during image data readout from the image sensor, using a processor to control the blocking of LCD-related signals via a flexible circuit setup between the display panel and main circuit board, ensuring interference-free image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding mechanism is used to reduce interference, then interference between circuits is reduced, but weight, volume and cost of the camera increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by stopping the display-related signal before the image data readout begins. The processor detects when image data readout is about to occur and proactively halts the display signal transmission, preventing interference before it can affect the image sensor. This timing-based prevention eliminates the need for physical shielding mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding mechanism is used to reduce interference, then interference between circuits is reduced, but volume of the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shielding system with an electronic control system. Instead of using physical barriers (metal shields, foils) to block electromagnetic interference, the system uses software/firmware control to stop the display signal generation and transmission during critical image readout periods. This substitution of mechanical protection with electronic timing control reduces the camera's volume.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding mechanism is used to reduce interference, then interference between circuits is reduced, but cost of the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical shielding components (metal shields, electromagnetic shielding materials, complex physical barriers) with a software-based solution implemented in the processor or firmware. This electronic control approach uses existing circuitry and timing mechanisms, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps, specialized materials, and assembly processes required for physical shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses inexpensive timing control signals and firmware logic instead of expensive physical shielding materials. The interference prevention is achieved through temporal separation (stopping signals for brief periods during readout) rather than expensive permanent physical barriers, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
4Volume of moving object
If camera is made more compact and thinner, then portability is improved, but interference between circuits worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs preliminary action by detecting the start of image data readout and proactively stopping the display-related signal transmission before interference can occur. This timing-based prevention mechanism allows the camera to maintain compact dimensions without requiring additional physical space for shielding components, as the interference is prevented through temporal coordination rather than physical separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a camera is disclosed. A shutter button is pressed to trigger capturing an image. Subsequently, a display-related signal is prevented from transferring to a display panel at least for a duration during which image data are being read out of an image sensor.