Dual Camera Illuminance Prediction Using Segmented Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with dual cameras face challenges in quickly predicting illuminance levels, leading to longer entry times due to the limited range of illumination control and the need for multiple frames, especially when the rear camera is mounted, resulting in delayed image sensor output and preview display.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual camera module with a first and second image sensor, where the processor independently controls both sensors to obtain images based on different exposure settings, allowing for simultaneous or sequential illuminance prediction and exposure adjustment, reducing the number of frames required for prediction and shortening the entry time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is mounted on the rear of the portable electronic device, then the device structure is simple, but the illuminance prediction time is long and the entry time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into two independent image sensors (first and second image sensors) with different exposure settings. Each sensor is optimized for different illuminance ranges, allowing parallel illuminance prediction without requiring multiple sequential frames from a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
Both image sensors perform illuminance prediction operations simultaneously and in advance. The processor receives illuminance information from both sensors concurrently, enabling rapid determination of appropriate exposure settings before actual image capture begins.
2Measurement precision
If multiple frames are required for illuminance prediction, then the illuminance prediction accuracy is improved, but the entry time of the camera becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminance measurement function is segmented across two image sensors operating in parallel. Each sensor captures illuminance information within its optimized exposure range, providing comprehensive illuminance data without requiring multiple sequential frames.
Solution Approach 2:
Both image sensors continuously perform illuminance prediction operations simultaneously. This continuous parallel operation ensures that illuminance information is always available and up-to-date, eliminating the need for sequential frame-based prediction.
3Device complexity
If the illuminance prediction is performed sequentially, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the preview display time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Both image sensors perform illuminance prediction operations in advance and simultaneously. The processor is preliminarily provided with illuminance information from both sensors, enabling immediate determination of exposure settings without sequential processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminance prediction operations of both image sensors are merged into a single parallel processing workflow. The processor receives and integrates illuminance information from both sensors simultaneously, combining their capabilities to achieve rapid exposure determination.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention comprise: a first image sensor for acquiring a first image of an external object; a second image sensor for acquiring a second image of the external object; and a processor, wherein the processor is set so as to: acquire, through the first image sensor, the first image by using a first setting related to an exposure for the external object; acquire, through the second image sensor, the second image by using a second setting related to the exposure, during the operation of acquiring the first image; select one corresponding setting from among the first setting and the second setting on the basis of at least the first image or the second image; and acquire, through the first image sensor or the second image sensor, a third image of the external object on the basis of at least the one corresponding setting, thereby enabling an entry time of a dual camera mounted on a rear surface of an electronic device to be reduced. Other various embodiments are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed in the present invention.