Multi-Camera Switching Using Focus Failure and Defocus Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple cameras face increased hardware costs due to the need for a ranging component to automatically switch between cameras based on photographing distance, and devices without or with shielded ranging components fail to switch cameras effectively, affecting photographing quality.
Innovation Solution
A camera switching method that uses focusing status and defocus values to automatically switch between cameras without relying on a ranging component, leveraging VCM codes for distance estimation and ambient lighting conditions to ensure accurate and efficient camera transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a ranging component is separately configured for the camera, then automatic camera switching between main camera and ultra-wide-angle camera is enabled, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ranging function from a separate hardware component and integrates it into the existing camera system. The VCM motor that originally served only for focusing is repurposed to also provide distance measurement information, eliminating the need for a dedicated ranging component while maintaining automatic camera switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The VCM motor is given multiple functions: it continues to perform focusing adjustment while also serving as a distance measurement sensor. By monitoring the VCM code changes during focusing, the system derives photographing distance information, making the existing component multi-functional and avoiding additional hardware costs
2Device complexity
If no ranging component is configured, then hardware costs are reduced, but automatic camera switching cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system uses its own focusing mechanism (VCM motor) to generate the distance measurement data it needs. By monitoring the VCM code changes during the focusing process, the system derives photographing distance information without requiring external ranging components, making the system self-sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the VCM code information is continuously monitored during focusing, and this feedback is used to determine the photographing distance. Based on this distance information, the system automatically switches between cameras, creating a closed-loop control system without additional sensors
3Device complexity
If focusing status and defocus values are used for camera switching, then ranging component is eliminated, but measurement precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct distance sensing (using ranging components) to indirect measurement through VCM code monitoring. By analyzing the relationship between VCM code changes and defocus values during focusing, the system derives accurate photographing distance information, maintaining measurement precision while using different physical parameters
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a camera switching method and an electronic device, and relates to the field of terminal technologies, to alleviate a problem of reliance on a ranging component in a scenario in which a camera is switched with a photographing distance. A specific solution is as follows: An electronic device receives a first operation of a user, where a first value is a minimum focusing distance of a first camera. In a scenario in which an actual photographing distance is less than the first value, the electronic device displays a first interface in response to the first operation, where the first interface is used to display an image frame captured by the first camera. When the electronic device determines that a first condition is met, the electronic device displays a second interface, where the second interface is a preview framing interface used by the electronic device for photographing, the second interface is used to display an image frame captured by a second camera, and a short focus of the second camera is less than the first value. The first condition includes: a focusing status of the first camera is that focusing fails, and a sum of a defocus value of the first camera and a corresponding second value is less than a preset first threshold.