Continuous Video Capture During Camera Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile electronic devices can only record video from either the front or rear camera at a time, and cannot switch between cameras or record from both simultaneously while capturing video.

Innovation Solution

A method and module for an electronic device that allows switching between multiple video capture devices, such as front and rear cameras, while continuing to record video, enabling simultaneous recording from both cameras and displaying the video feeds on a touch screen in a continuous format.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video capture is switched between front and rear cameras, then video capture flexibility is improved, but video capture continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo capture flexibilityVSAvoidvideo capture continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and buffering video data from both the front and rear cameras simultaneously before the switch occurs. This pre-capture buffer ensures that when a camera switch is initiated, the continuous video stream is maintained by seamlessly transitioning between the buffered data from different cameras, thus preserving video capture continuity while enabling camera switching flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If video capture is switched between multiple cameras, then camera versatility is improved, but recording process interruption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera versatilityVSAvoidrecording process continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuity of the useful action (video recording) by implementing a seamless switching mechanism between multiple cameras. The capture module continuously records from both front and rear cameras, and during playback or live view, it smoothly transitions between camera sources without stopping the recording process. This ensures the recording action remains continuous while allowing versatile camera selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous recording from both cameras is enabled, then video capture versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo capture versatilityVSAvoidcapture module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capture module is designed with multi-functionality to handle simultaneous recording from both front and rear cameras. It incorporates a universal switching mechanism that can seamlessly transition between different camera sources and combine their outputs into a single continuous video stream. This multi-functional design enables the module to perform multiple operations (simultaneous capture, switching, merging) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10284760B2Continuous video capture during switch between video capture devices

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method provides capturing video information in an electronic device. Capturing video information comprises capturing video, using a first video capture device of the electronic device, switching video capture between the first video capture device and a second video capture device of the electronic device, and continuing video capture while switching between the first video capture device and the second video capture device.