Camera Module Switching Using Zoom and Distance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices without a laser sensor cannot implement automatic switching between different cameras, affecting the photographing experience.

Innovation Solution

The method determines distance information and zoom ratio parameters using the camera module to automatically switch between cameras without relying on a laser sensor, ensuring smooth transitions and image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a laser sensor is used to determine distance information for automatic camera switching, then the automatic switching between different cameras can be implemented, but the device complexity increases and the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic camera switchingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module performs distance measurement itself using its own imaging capability and parameter information, eliminating the need for external laser sensors. The system uses the camera's depth of field parameters and imaging data to calculate distance, allowing the camera to serve its own measurement needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is designed to perform multiple functions: both image capture and distance measurement. By utilizing the same hardware components for dual purposes, the system avoids adding separate sensing hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automation

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

2Extent of automation

If a laser sensor is used to determine distance information for automatic camera switching, then the automatic switching between different cameras can be implemented, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic camera switchingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module performs distance measurement itself using its own imaging capability and parameter information, eliminating the need for external laser sensors. The system uses the camera's depth of field parameters and imaging data to calculate distance, allowing the camera to serve its own measurement needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is designed to perform multiple functions: both image capture and distance measurement. By utilizing the same hardware components for dual purposes, the system avoids adding separate sensing hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automation

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

3Speed

If camera switching is performed without considering zoom ratio parameters, then the switching response is fast, but picture jump occurs affecting image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching response speedVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes the relationship between distance parameters and zoom ratio parameters. Before switching cameras, it calculates the required zoom ratio adjustment based on the target distance, ensuring that the zoom lens is positioned correctly in advance to prevent picture jump during switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors both distance parameters and zoom ratio parameters during camera switching. By providing feedback on the zoom ratio state, the system can adjust the zoom lens position dynamically to ensure smooth transitions and maintain image quality throughout the switching process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4344240B1Camera switching method, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4344240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4344240B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4344240B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4

AI summary

This application relates to the field of terminals, and provides a camera switching method and an electronic device. The method is applicable to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a camera module. The camera module includes a first camera and a second camera. The method includes: enabling a camera application; displaying a first image, where the first image is captured when the first camera serves as a main camera for image capturing; determining that a first parameter and a second parameter satisfy a first preset condition, where the first parameter indicates distance information between the electronic device and a target object, the first parameter is a parameter from the camera module, and the second parameter indicates a zoom ratio of the electronic device; and displaying a second image, where the second image is captured when the second camera serves as the main camera for image capturing. Based on the technical solution of this application, automatic switching between different cameras in the electronic device can be implemented without relying on a laser sensor, thereby improving photographing experience of users.