Camera Switching by Focus Condition for Close-Range Image Clarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The separate configuration of ranging components for cameras in electronic devices increases hardware costs and prevents automatic camera switching based on photographing distance without these components, leading to potential image blurring or distortion.

Innovation Solution

A camera switching method that uses focusing conditions and VCM codes to automatically switch between cameras without relying on ranging components, enabling accurate distance estimation and intelligent camera selection based on focusing status and ambient lighting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a ranging component is separately configured for the camera, then automatic camera switching based on photographing distance is enabled, but hardware costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic camera switchingVSAvoidhardware costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first camera performs self-measurement of the photographing distance using its own focusing status and defocus value, eliminating the need for external ranging components. The camera uses its imaging capability to detect distance information, making the system self-sufficient and reducing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The first camera serves dual functions: both capturing images and measuring photographing distance. By utilizing the camera's existing focusing mechanism and defocus detection capability, the system achieves distance measurement without requiring dedicated ranging hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If no ranging component is configured, then hardware costs are reduced, but automatic camera switching cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware costsVSAvoidautomatic camera switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical ranging component with an electronic/software-based solution. The system uses electronic detection of focusing status and calculation of defocus values through software algorithms to determine photographing distance, substituting physical ranging hardware with electronic measurement methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that translates the camera's focusing status and defocus value into distance information. Rather than directly measuring distance with a ranging component, the system uses the processor to interpret focusing data and trigger camera switching based on calculated distance thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the first camera is used for short distance photographing, then hardware configuration is simplified, but image quality deteriorates due to focusing failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera configurationVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between the first and second cameras based on real-time detection of photographing distance. When the distance falls below the first camera's minimum focusing distance, the system automatically transitions to the second camera, ensuring optimal image quality across varying distances while maintaining a simplified camera configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the focusing status and defocus value of the first camera, using this feedback to determine when to switch cameras. This closed-loop control ensures that image quality is maintained by switching to the second camera when the first camera can no longer focus properly at short distances.

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

Enables intelligent camera switching to maintain clear images across varying distances, reducing hardware costs and energy consumption while improving photographing intelligence.

Implementation Method 1

a predicted object distance corresponding to a voice coil motor VCM code of the first camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12568302B2Method and electronic device for switching from a first camera to a second camera based on a focus condition

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD

AI summary

This application provides a camera switching method and an electronic device, and relates to the field of terminal technologies. An electronic device receives a first operation of a user. In a scenario in which an actual photographing distance is less than a 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 collected by the first camera, and the first value is a minimum focusing distance of a 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.