Dual Camera Auto-Exposure and Autofocus Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital camera systems without separate sensors for auto-exposure and autofocus often result in undesirable effects like rapid exposure changes and focus issues during video recording, leading to out-of-focus segments due to the same sensor being used for both image capture and adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-camera configuration where one camera system provides auto-exposure and autofocus functions while another captures image data, allowing for separate and optimized adjustment processes without constraining the image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same sensor system is used for both image capture and automated functions (auto-exposure, autofocus), then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to focus hunting and rapid exposure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into two separate sensor systems: a first sensor system dedicated to capturing image data and a second sensor system dedicated to performing automated functions (auto-exposure, autofocus). This segmentation allows each sensor system to specialize in its specific function, preventing the interference and quality degradation that occurs when a single sensor system must perform both roles simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If automated functions are performed using the same sensor system for image capture, then device structure is simplified, but productivity deteriorates due to out-of-focus segments and exposure interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera system into two independent sensor systems operating simultaneously but with distinct functions. The first sensor system continuously captures image data without interruption, while the second sensor system performs automated focus and exposure adjustments. This eliminates the productivity loss caused by focus hunting and exposure changes that occur when a single sensor system must pause or adjust during capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor system acts as an intermediary that provides automated function data to control the first sensor system's capture parameters. The second sensor system processes automated functions and sends control signals to adjust the first sensor system's settings, allowing continuous high-quality capture without direct interference in the main imaging path.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single sensor system performs both image capture and automated adjustment, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to focus hunting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sensor systems so that the second sensor system can dedicate its full computational and measurement resources to achieving precise focus and exposure measurements without the competing demands of simultaneous high-quality image capture. This segmentation enables the automated functions to achieve higher measurement precision and converge faster on accurate focus and exposure settings.
Data Source
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AI summary
Generally, imaging may refer to capturing and representing the color and brightness characteristics of a real- world environment in a digital format and/or a film format (e.g., in photographs and/or motion video). A large variety of image capture devices exist, thus providing consumers with numerous ways to capturing image data. As image capture devices, such as cameras, become more popular, such devices may be employed as standalone hardware devices or integrated into various other types of devices. For instance, still and video cameras are now regularly included in wireless communication devices (e.g., mobile phones), tablet computers, laptop computers, video game interfaces, home automation devices, and even automobiles and other types of vehicles.