Multi-Camera Switching Using Distance and Light for Better Focus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Focusing failure and noise points often occur in captured images when terminals with multiple cameras switch based on zoom factor, leading to poor photographing performance and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for switching cameras based on both zoom factor and environmental conditions, including object distance and illumination, to ensure successful focusing and reduce noise points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal switches between cameras based on zoom factor, then the terminal can capture distant objects and achieve zooming effect, but focusing failure occurs and noise points appear in captured images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezoom capabilityVSAvoidfocusing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the switching parameters from only zoom factor to a combination of zoom factor, object distance, and illumination conditions. By monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously, the system determines the most appropriate camera to switch to, ensuring both zoom capability and focusing accuracy are maintained under different shooting conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors shooting conditions including object distance and illumination levels, using this feedback to dynamically adjust camera switching decisions. This closed-loop control ensures that camera switching occurs only when conditions are optimal for the target camera, preventing focusing failures and noise points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal switches between cameras based on zoom factor, then different focal distances are achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to noise points and focusing failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal distance rangeVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent expands the parameter set for camera selection from single-parameter (zoom factor) to multi-parameter (zoom factor, object distance, illumination). This comprehensive parameter evaluation ensures that image quality is maintained across the full focal distance range by selecting the appropriate camera based on all relevant conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of shooting conditions before camera switching occurs. By assessing object distance and illumination levels in advance, the system ensures that the target camera is ready to capture high-quality images immediately upon switching, preventing image quality deterioration during the transition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3429187B1Method and device for switching between cameras, and terminal
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3429187B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3429187B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3429187B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and a device for switching between cameras and a terminal. The method includes: when it is determined that a current zoom factor satisfies a first switching condition, obtaining (101, 204) a distance between a current object to be photographed and the camera and/or current illumination; determining (102, 205) whether the distance between the current object to be photographed and the camera and/or the current illumination satisfies a second switching condition; when the distance between the current object to be photographed and the camera and/or the current illumination satisfies the second switching condition, performing (103) a switch between the cameras. Therefore, a success rate of focusing after switching between the cameras is improved, the number of noise points in the captured image is reduced, effect of the captured image is improved, photographing performance of the terminal, and improving user experience is improved.