Foldable Multi-Camera Preview Switching for Rear-Camera Selfies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of foldable electronic devices with better rear-facing cameras cannot view a preview image on the display while capturing selfies due to the device being folded, as the flexible display is not visible.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with multiple cameras and displays that allows users to switch between camera modes and display preview images on the rear-facing display when folded, enabling seamless selfie capturing with high-performance cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device is folded to use the rear-facing camera for selfies, then camera performance is improved, but the display becomes invisible and preview image cannot be viewed
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into two independent displays: a first display on the front surface and a second display on the rear surface. This allows the rear display to independently show preview images when the device is folded, while the front display remains available when unfolded, resolving the contradiction between camera performance and preview visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The preview image display is moved from the front surface to the rear surface of the device. By utilizing the rear display (a different spatial dimension/surface), the system enables preview image viewing while the device is folded for rear camera selfies, eliminating the visibility problem.
2Ease of operation
If the device is unfolded to view the display, then preview image visibility is improved, but rear-facing camera cannot be used for selfies
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between camera modes and display configurations based on the device's folded/unfolded state. When folded, it activates rear camera mode with rear display for preview; when unfolded, it switches to front camera mode with front display for preview. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between display visibility and camera mode flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the front and rear displays can serve as preview displays for different camera modes. The rear display is not limited to a single function but can display preview images for rear camera selfies, while the front display handles front camera selfies, creating a universal preview system that works in all device states.
3Device complexity
If a single display is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot provide preview in both folded and unfolded states
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into two separate displays positioned on different surfaces of the device. This segmentation allows each display to be optimized for specific usage scenarios (front display for unfolded state, rear display for folded state), enabling preview availability in both device states without requiring a single complex adaptive display.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device and a method for controlling image capturing by using a plurality of cameras. The foldable electronic device includes: a first housing including a first surface and a third surface; a second housing including a second surface and a fourth surface; a first display disposed on the first and second surfaces; a second display disposed on the third surface; a first camera module disposed on the third surface; second camera modules disposed on the fourth surface; a memory; and a processor. The processor is configured to: when the foldable electronic device is in a closed state, display a preview image obtained from the first camera module on the second display; detect a user input for changing an image capturing mode; sense whether a state of the foldable electronic device is changed; and when the state of the foldable electronic device is changed, display information relating to the second camera modules on the second display. Other embodiments are possible and disclosed.