Dual Camera Autofocus Parallel Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-camera focusing systems in mobile devices suffer from slow focus speed and low frame rates, especially in low-light environments, due to the need for full-resolution image processing, which affects user experience.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing terminal with two camera modules, where one module captures high-resolution images and the other assists in focusing by dividing the focus search range into non-overlapping areas, allowing concurrent focus search and faster autofocus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-camera system processes full-resolution images for autofocus, then image quality is maintained, but focus speed decreases and frame rate drops to 12fps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the focus search range into multiple focus areas (first focus area and second focus area) that do not overlap each other. Different camera modules are assigned to search different focus areas simultaneously, enabling parallel processing and significantly improving focus speed while maintaining full-resolution image quality.
2Measurement precision
If frame rate is reduced to improve image brightness and reduce noise in low-light environments, then image quality improves, but focus detection performance deteriorates and focus time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the focus search range and assigning different camera modules to different focus areas, the system can perform focus detection simultaneously across multiple areas. This parallel approach maintains adequate frame rates even in low-light conditions, preserving both image quality and focus detection performance.
3Measurement precision
If a single-camera system performs sequential focus search from initial focus to far focus, then complete focus coverage is achieved, but focus time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The focus search range is segmented into multiple non-overlapping focus areas, with different camera modules assigned to search different areas simultaneously. This parallel search approach achieves complete focus coverage much faster than sequential searching, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the focus search process by dividing the focus range into multiple areas that can be searched in parallel. This transforms a one-dimensional sequential search into a multi-dimensional parallel search, dramatically improving efficiency.
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 enables quicker autofocus and maintains high-resolution image output, improving user experience by reducing focus time and enhancing frame rates.
Implementation Method 1
Autofocus can be realized by using the principle of light reflection on an object, and accepting reflected light from the object by a sensor CCD
Implementation Method 2
A focusing method by using contrast ratio can realize autofocus by detecting the contour edge of an image. The clearer the contour edge of the image is, the greater the brightness gradient is, or the greater the contrast ratio between the object of edge and the background of the image is.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided in the present invention is an image capturing terminal, which comprises a first camera module, a second camera module, and a processing module. The first camera module and the second camera module are used for framing concurrently a same scene and for detection and analysis on the basis of the contrast ratios of different frames of images, where a focus search range comprises a first focus area and a second focus area that do not overlap each other. The processing module is used for controlling the first camera module to search for a focus in the first focus area and, at the same time, for controlling the second camera module to search for a focus in the second focus area, and for capturing focus information of either the first camera module or the second camera module, and is used for controlling, on the basis of the focus information, the first camera module to capture an image at the focus point. Also provided correspondingly in the present invention is an image capturing method. The present invention solves the problem that existing single-camera image capturing modules employing high resolutions for outputting images are slow in focusing.