Adaptable Field of View Camera Lens for Device Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with fixed focal length camera lenses struggle to adapt to different field of view requirements across various operational modes, such as vertical and lay flat modes, leading to suboptimal image capture and video conferencing experiences.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dynamically adjustable camera lens system using a liquid lens module, a mirror-based mechanism, or a gimbal-based mechanism, which adjusts the field of view based on the device's orientation using sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to automatically switch between narrow and wide field of view configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed focal length camera lens is used, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view cannot be adjusted for different operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the camera lens system adjustable rather than fixed. A liquid lens module is used to dynamically change the focal length and field of view based on the device's operational mode. The lens curvature can be modified in real-time to switch between narrow FOV for vertical mode and wide FOV for lay flat mode, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical parameters of the lens system. By changing the curvature of the liquid lens through electrical control, the focal length and field of view parameters are adjusted according to the operational mode. This allows the same hardware to provide different optical characteristics without requiring multiple fixed lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera lens is adjusted for different operational modes, then the field of view adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens adjustment mechanisms with a liquid lens module that uses electrical fields to control lens curvature. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical gears, motors, and linkages while achieving the same functional result through electro-optical control, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid lens module serves multiple functions: it acts as both the optical element and the adjustment mechanism. The same component that forms the image also dynamically changes its focal properties, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing system complexity while providing operational mode adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a dynamically adjustable lens system is implemented, then image capture quality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid lens module that employs hydraulic or pneumatic principles to control lens curvature. By using fluid pressure or electrical fields acting on liquid interfaces, the system achieves precise focal length adjustment without requiring complex mechanical precision manufacturing. The liquid interface naturally forms smooth surfaces that can be dynamically controlled, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high image quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables adaptable and automatic field of view adjustments, enhancing image capture and video conferencing capabilities by ensuring optimal camera orientation and field of view in different operational modes, reducing distortion and improving user identification and recognition.
Implementation Method 1
The adaptable FOV subsystem includes a variable focus lens module configured to automatically vary the focus of a lens of the image capturing device as driven by a voltage level based on the orientation or operational mode of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a moveable mirror to selectively reflect light or scene imagery to one of the plurality of image capturing devices based on the orientation or operational mode of the electronic device
Implementation Method 3
a sensor hub including an accelerometer and a gyro, the accelerometer and the gyro to generate information indicative of an orientation of the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for adjusting a field of view in a camera of an electronic device are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes an image capturing device; a sensor data interface to receive sensor data from at least one orientation-determining device; and an adaptable field of view (FOV) subsystem in data communication with the sensor data interface, the adaptable FOV subsystem being configured to modify the field of view of the image capturing device based on an orientation or operational mode of an electronic device associated with the sensor data.