Electronic Device Front Camera Lens Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple cameras on the rear surface struggle with inferior image capturing functions on the front surface, requiring users to manually switch between multiple front cameras, increasing user trouble.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first and second image capturing unit, where the second unit can switch between a standard lens and a wider-angle lens, and a control unit that automatically switches between these modes based on user operations or device states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple front cameras are provided to improve image capturing function, then the image capturing capability is improved, but the user has to perform manual switching operations which increases user trouble and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and switches between front cameras based on the captured image quality and angle of view, without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously determines which camera to use by evaluating image characteristics, thereby eliminating manual switching operations while maintaining multiple camera functionality for improved image capturing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (camera selection) based on image quality metrics and angle of view characteristics. By automatically adjusting which camera is active based on captured image parameters, the system improves image capturing function while avoiding the need for manual user operations
2Device complexity
If a single front camera is provided to reduce device complexity, then the device structure is simplified, but the image capturing function becomes inferior compared to multiple rear cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The first image capturing unit (front camera) is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images at different angles of view using different lenses (first lens for narrow angle, second lens for wide angle). This multi-functional design allows a single camera unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cameras, maintaining simplified device structure while improving image capturing function
Solution Approach 2:
The first image capturing unit dynamically switches between different lenses (first lens and second lens) depending on the required angle of view. This dynamic capability allows the single front camera to adapt its characteristics to match different shooting scenarios, effectively providing the functionality of multiple cameras with a single device component
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second image capturing unit switches between first lens and second lens to provide different angles of view, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit merges the switching control functionality with the existing image processing and camera control systems. By integrating the lens switching logic into the existing control architecture rather than adding a separate control system, the patent achieves adaptability through multiple angle of view options while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image quality analysis and angle of view requirements to automatically determine when to switch between the first lens and second lens. The control unit continuously monitors image characteristics and autonomously decides whether switching is necessary, thereby providing adaptability while keeping the control mechanism simple and automatic rather than complex and manual
Data Source
AI summary
A first image capturing unit (203 to 205) configured to capture an image using a lens placed on a first surface, a second image capturing unit (201 and 202) configured to capture an image using a lens placed on a second surface, the second image capturing unit being configured to switch to first image capturing using a first lens and second image capturing using a second lens with a wider angle than an angle of view of the first lens, and a control unit configured to perform control to, during the image capturing by the second image capturing unit, in response to a user operation for changing from a still image capturing mode to a moving image capturing mode, switch to the moving image capturing mode and also switch from the first image capturing using the first lens to the second image capturing using the second lens, are included.