Dynamic Front Camera Mirror for Face Size Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The front camera of electronic devices has a relatively low resolution and smaller view angle compared to the rear camera, resulting in an unsatisfactory 'mirror' function that cannot provide a clear, same-size reflection of a user's face, failing to meet the user's expectation of using it like a real mirror.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a display, camera, and sensors, where a processor receives signals to obtain preview images, identifies device motions, and controls the image display based on the preview image and motion, allowing for dynamic resizing and blind spot capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the front camera uses a wider view angle to capture more of the user's face, then the coverage area is improved, but the image size on the display shrinks and becomes smaller than the user's actual face

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidimage size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the image size dynamic rather than static. The processor adjusts the size of the captured image on the display based on detected user motions (approaching or moving away from the device). When the user approaches, the image enlarges; when the user moves away, the image shrinks. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the image size to adapt to the user's distance, maintaining appropriate proportions while preserving wide-angle coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the front camera uses a higher resolution to provide clearer images, then the image quality is improved, but the view angle becomes smaller

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidview angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by dynamically adjusting the view angle based on user motion. When the user approaches the device, the system switches to a first camera module with a narrower view angle but higher resolution, providing clear close-up images. When the user moves away, it switches to a second camera module with a wider view angle, capturing the full face. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize between image quality and view angle depending on the user's distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the mirror function displays the user's face at the same size as reality, then the realism is improved, but the field of view is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveface size accuracyVSAvoidfield of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making both the face size and field of view dynamic. The system detects user motion and adjusts accordingly: when the user approaches, it switches to a camera module that displays the face at a larger, more realistic size with a narrower field of view. When the user moves away, it switches to a module with a wider field of view that captures the entire face. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain realistic face proportions while optimizing the field of view based on user distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3346696B1Image capturing method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3346696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3346696B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3346696B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods for capturing images using camera-equipped electronic devices and electronic devices are provided. The electronic device includes a display, a camera, at least one sensor, and a processor electrically connected with the display, the camera, and the at least one sensor, wherein the processor is configured to receive a signal for obtaining an image, obtain a preview image through the camera in response to the received signal, identify a first motion of the electronic device through the at least one sensor while the preview image obtained through the camera is displayed through the display, and control the electronic device based on the identified first motion and the preview image.