Foldable Housing Camera System for Real-Time Panoramic Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack the capability to efficiently capture panoramic images without user movement and process continuous object movement into a single content in real-time, especially with a folding structure.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a foldable housing, flexible display, folding sensors, and a processor that detects folding to acquire and process panoramic images in real-time, allowing for intuitive selection and processing of images in various modes such as general, moving, consecutive, and complex panorama modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed-structure electronic device is used, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the device cannot capture panoramic images without user movement and cannot process continuous object movement into a single content in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a foldable housing structure that can dynamically change its configuration between unfolded and folded states. The folding mechanism allows the device to adapt its physical form to capture panoramic images from different angles and positions, transforming a static device into a dynamic one that can reposition its camera modules relative to the display and processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable housing serves multiple functions: it protects the camera modules when folded, provides structural support when unfolded, and enables panoramic image capture by positioning cameras at different angles. The same structural element performs multiple roles, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and folding mechanisms are added to enable panoramic capture, then panoramic image capture capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera modules into a unified imaging system integrated with the foldable housing. The sensors and cameras are merged with the structural elements of the housing, allowing them to work together as a cohesive system rather than separate components. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding structure automatically positions the camera modules and sensors in optimal configurations for panoramic capture without requiring manual intervention. The mechanical movement of the housing itself serves the dual purpose of structural transformation and camera positioning, making the system self-configuring rather than requiring separate control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the device processes panoramic images in real-time, then the user experience is improved with immediate feedback, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary processing of panoramic images during the folding/unfolding transition itself, rather than waiting for the action to complete. The processor begins stitching and assembling images from multiple cameras as the housing is moving, utilizing the transition period productively to reduce post-capture processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing operates continuously throughout the entire folding or unfolding sequence, maintaining useful action without interruption. Rather than pausing to capture images then processing them separately, the system continuously captures, processes, and assembles images in an unbroken workflow, maximizing productivity while minimizing total time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for photographing a panoramic image in a foldable electronic device. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may set a photographing mode and determine the folding of a housing in the photographing mode. The electronic device may acquire images from an image sensor, the photographing position of which varies according to the folding and generate a panoramic image by composing the acquired images.