Focus Control Method for Consistent Sharpness Across Optical Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In cameras with multiple optical systems, adjusting the focus location for one system and then switching to another is cumbersome due to differing focus sharpness variations, making it difficult to maintain consistent focus adjustments across systems.

Innovation Solution

A focus control method that standardizes focus adjustment schemes across multiple optical systems, allowing for seamless sharing of focus information and maintaining consistent focus sharpness variations, enabling natural operation switching and rapid image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If multiple optical systems with different depths of focus are used to provide zoom function while maintaining slimness, then device thickness is reduced, but focus adjustment becomes cumbersome when switching between systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidfocus adjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a unified focus adjustment scheme that works across multiple optical systems with different depths of focus. The focus manipulation object is designed to provide consistent focus sharpness variation regardless of which optical system is active, making the focus adjustment mechanism universal for all camera modules while maintaining the slim device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of focus sharpness variation to be consistent across different optical systems. By adjusting the stroke area of the focus manipulation object based on the depth of focus characteristics of each optical system, the system achieves uniform focus adjustment behavior despite the underlying optical differences, resolving the operational complexity when switching between systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If focus location is adjusted for one optical system and then another system is switched to, then focus control is achieved for the first system, but additional time is required to readjust focus for the second system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus location precisionVSAvoidfocus adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the focus manipulation object with stroke area characteristics that account for the depth of focus of each optical system. This preliminary setup ensures that when users adjust focus, the same manipulation produces appropriate focus sharpness variation for the active optical system, eliminating the need for additional readjustment when switching between systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring which optical system is currently active and automatically adjusting the focus manipulation object's stroke area accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the focus adjustment behavior is always optimized for the current optical system, maintaining focus precision while minimizing adjustment time during system switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If different focus sharpness variations are used for different optical systems, then each system can be optimized individually, but operating experience becomes non-uniform across systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical system optimizationVSAvoidoperating experience consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the stroke area parameter of the focus manipulation object based on the depth of focus characteristics of each optical system. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that each optical system receives optimized focus control while the user experiences uniform focus sharpness variation across all systems, resolving the contradiction between system optimization and operating consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3389253B1Method and electronic device for focus control
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3389253B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3389253B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3389253B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a camera, a memory storing first unit information and second unit information to be used to move a lens driving part, and a processor. The first unit information is configured such that the camera causes a first focus sharpness variation and the second unit information is configured such that the camera causes a second focus sharpness variation. The processor is configured to receive a signal for adjusting a focus associated with an external object by using the camera, to verify a state of the electronic device associated with the reception of the signal, to select corresponding unit information among the first unit information and the second unit information, based at least partly on the state, and to move the lens driving part depending on the corresponding unit information to adjust the focus associated with the external object.