Dual-Camera Focusing Using Lower Resolution Sensor Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-camera systems in mobile terminals have slower focusing speeds, which hinder instant photography and require determining the in-focus distance relationship between lower and higher resolution cameras.
Innovation Solution
A dual-camera focusing method and apparatus where a lower resolution second camera is used for focusing, and its driving current value is used to determine the driving current value for a higher resolution first camera, allowing both cameras to achieve the same in-focus distance, thereby enhancing focusing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dual camera system is used for photography, then photograph quality and depth of field detection are enhanced, but focusing speed becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dual-camera system into two independent focusing pathways: one for the first camera and one for the second camera. Each camera performs focusing independently based on its own image data, rather than one camera depending on the other's focusing results. This segmentation allows both cameras to achieve focus simultaneously without waiting for inter-camera coordination, thereby improving focusing speed while maintaining high photograph quality.
2Speed
If a lower resolution camera is used to determine focus position for a higher resolution camera, then focusing speed may be improved, but an in-focus distance relationship between the two cameras must be determined
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the lower resolution second camera to determine focus for the higher resolution first camera (unilateral dependency), the patent inverts the relationship by having both cameras perform focusing independently based on their own image data. This eliminates the need to establish complex in-focus distance relationships between cameras, as each camera autonomously determines its own focus position without relying on the other camera's focusing results.
3Manufacturing precision
If the dual camera determines focal length for clear imaging, then clear imaging is achieved, but the time period from beginning focusing to determining focal length is too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the second camera continuously capture image data and perform focusing operations in advance. The focusing process begins immediately when imaging is initiated, with both cameras simultaneously processing their respective image data to determine focus positions. This eliminates delays associated with sequential focusing operations, allowing the system to quickly determine the focal length needed for clear imaging without extending the focusing time period.
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 accelerates focusing speed by leveraging the faster image processing of the lower resolution second camera, addressing the slower focusing speed issue in dual-camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
a second driving current value of a motor of the second camera; determining a first driving current value of a motor of the first camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual-camera focusing method and apparatus, and a terminal device are provided. A dual camera includes a first camera and a second camera. A resolution of the first camera is higher than a resolution of the second camera. The method includes the following operations. The second camera is used for focusing. When the second camera is in focus, a second driving current value of a motor of the second camera is obtained. With the first camera and the second camera having a same in-focus distance, a first driving current value of a motor of the first camera is determined according to the second driving current value. The first driving current value is used to focus the first camera.