Dual Camera Flash Setting Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices with flash units require a pre-flash period to determine image capture settings, leading to delays in capturing images, especially when dealing with moving subjects or low-light conditions, which can result in missed moments and a frustrating user experience.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple cameras and a flash unit that emits light during a first portion to receive image frames, allowing the processor to determine image capture settings, such as exposure, white balance, and focal distance, and then captures images during a second portion using these settings, with the second camera operating at a higher frame rate to reduce the time required for setting determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pre-flash period is used to determine image capture settings, then the image capture settings can be determined accurately, but the time delay increases and moving subjects may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the first camera capture image frames during the first portion of the flash operation to determine exposure control, focal distance, and white balance settings. This preliminary setting determination is integrated into the flash operation itself rather than requiring a separate pre-flash period, allowing the second camera to then capture images during the second portion with these pre-determined settings already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash operation is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion where the first camera captures image frames for setting determination, and a second portion where the second camera captures the actual images. This segmentation allows each camera to operate optimally for its specific function while eliminating the need for a separate pre-flash period that would delay the capture.
2Device complexity
If a single camera is used for both setting determination and image capture, then device complexity is reduced, but the frame rate and capture efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the camera functions by using a first camera specifically for capturing image frames during the first portion to determine settings, and a second camera for capturing actual images during the second portion. This functional segmentation allows each camera to operate at optimized frame rates for its specific task, with the second camera able to capture multiple frames efficiently during the image capture phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The first camera serves a dual purpose: it captures image frames not only for setting determination but also can provide frames that are processed and output, while the second camera is dedicated to high-efficiency image capture. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain lower complexity by having cameras serve multiple roles while still achieving high productivity.
3Speed
If the first camera operates at a higher frame rate during the first portion, then setting determination is faster, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first camera operates at a higher frame rate periodically only during the first portion of the flash operation when setting determination is needed, then transitions to a lower frame rate or standby mode during the second portion. This periodic high-speed operation allows fast setting determination when required while minimizing overall power consumption by not maintaining high frame rate continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame rate of the first camera is dynamically adjusted based on the operational phase: it operates at a higher frame rate during the first portion for rapid setting determination, and can reduce to a lower frame rate during the second portion. This dynamic frame rate adjustment optimizes the balance between setting determination speed and power consumption.
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 significantly reduces the time needed to capture images using a flash unit, improving user experience by minimizing delays and allowing for more frames to be captured during the image capture phase, while also reducing power consumption and enabling more efficient flash operations.
Implementation Method 1
The processor is configured to cause the flash unit to emit a flash during a flash operation having a first portion and a second portion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for determining one or more image capture settings for use in flash photography are disclosed. In some aspects a device includes a memory and a processor that is coupled to a first camera, a second camera, a flash unit, and the memory. The processor can be configured to cause the flash unit to emit a flash during a flash operation having a first portion and a second portion. The processor can be further configured to cause the first camera to receive a plurality of image frames during the first portion, determine at least one image capture setting based on at least one of the plurality of frames received by the first camera, and cause the second camera to capture one or more image frames during the second portion based on the determined image capture setting.