Dual Camera Autofocus Wobble Prevention via Segmented Lens Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent movement of camera lenses during automatic focus (AF) leads to a wobbling phenomenon in the field of view (FoV) displayed on electronic devices, such as smartphones, which affects image sharpness and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-camera system where a sub-camera module performs AF operations and provides data for the main camera module, allowing the processor to suspend lens movement until a stable focus direction is achieved, thereby preventing image wobble and enhancing AF speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lens moves frequently during AF to achieve focus, then the AF function can adjust focus dynamically, but the field of view wobbles in the displayed image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into two separate modules: a first camera module dedicated to AF operations and a second camera module dedicated to capturing stable images for display. This segmentation allows the lens in the first module to move freely for focus adjustment while the second module maintains a fixed field of view for stable image capture, thereby resolving the contradiction between AF flexibility and image stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the processor receives AF data from the first camera module and uses it to control the lens movement of the second camera module. This intermediary approach allows the system to benefit from AF functionality while maintaining image stability by mediating between the two camera modules' operations.
2Productivity
If the lens moves continuously during AF, then focus adjustment is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the camera system into two independent modules with separate lens assemblies, the patent enables the first module to perform rapid AF movements without affecting the second module's image capture quality. Each module can optimize its lens movement independently, ensuring both high AF speed and image sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary AF operations using the first camera module before capturing final images with the second camera module. This preliminary action allows the system to determine focus requirements in advance, enabling faster and more accurate focusing while maintaining image quality during the actual image capture.
3Device complexity
If a single camera module performs both AF and image capture, then device complexity is reduced, but image wobble occurs during AF operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating two separate camera modules: one specialized for AF operations and another for stable image capture. This segmentation resolves the image wobble problem by isolating the lens movement function from the image capture function, allowing each to operate independently without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by having the processor serve multiple functions: it processes images from the second camera module for display while simultaneously controlling the lens movement of the first camera module for AF operations. This universal approach allows a single processing system to manage multiple camera functions without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first camera module including a first lens set, a second camera module including a second lens set, and a processor connected to the first camera module and a second camera module. The processor is configured to move the first lens focus on a subject, resulting in an auto focus (AF) value and an image obtained by the first camera module, evaluate reliability of the AF value, based on the reliability of the AF value, calculate a movement parameter of the second lens set, corresponding to a movement parameter of the first lens set, and move the second lens set depending on the calculated movement parameter.