Dual Camera Autofocus Hiding Unfocused Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary digital autofocus cameras display unfocused images during the focusing process, causing annoyance and distraction to the user, potentially leading to missed shots, especially when capturing moving subjects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing multiple cameras, where one camera provides continuous imaging while another facilitates autofocus, using the stereo effect to determine distance and focus without displaying unfocused frames, thereby isolating the autofocus process from the imaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used for both imaging and autofocus, then device complexity is reduced, but unfocused frames are displayed during autofocus process causing user distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into two separate cameras: one dedicated to imaging and another dedicated to autofocus. This segmentation allows the imaging camera to continuously capture focused frames while the autofocus camera performs focus testing without displaying unfocused frames to the user, thereby eliminating user distraction while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If autofocus process is performed continuously, then focus accuracy is improved, but display of changing focus frames becomes annoying and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the autofocus function from the imaging function by using a separate autofocus camera. The autofocus camera continuously tests focus accuracy while the imaging camera displays only the focused frames captured during video recording. This extraction allows continuous focus testing without displaying the annoying changing focus frames to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system where the autofocus camera's focus testing results are used to control the imaging camera's lens positioning, but the imaging camera's display output is independent and shows only focused frames. This intermediary arrangement allows continuous autofocus operation while maintaining clean user experience.
3Measurement precision
If lens position is constantly adjusted during autofocus, then focus determination is improved, but video stream display becomes interrupted by unfocused frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging and autofocus functions into separate cameras. The imaging camera maintains a continuous, uninterrupted video stream displaying only focused frames, while the autofocus camera separately determines focus accuracy by testing different lens positions. This segmentation ensures continuous video productivity without interruptions from unfocused frames.
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
This approach enhances user experience by minimizing the display of unfocused frames, reducing distraction, and maintaining a continuous video stream during autofocus, improving the usability and enjoyment of personal electronic devices like camera telephones.
Implementation Method 1
using two cameras to provide a stereo effect to determine a distance to a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for hiding objectionable frames during autofocusing are disclosed. A personal electronic device such as a cameral telephone can have two cameras that have overlapping fields of view. One camera can provide imaging. The other camera can facilitate autofocusing in a manner wherein images produced thereby are not viewed by a user. Because the autofocus frames are hidden, the user is not distracted or annoying thereby.