Lens Position Estimation Using Gravity Vector Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the focus position of a camera lens in electronic devices are inaccurate due to variables such as device orientation, which affects the drive current used to adjust the lens position.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines drive current data from a lens driver with orientation information from a motion sensor to calculate a normalized drive current, accounting for gravitational effects, allowing for precise estimation of the lens position using a processor and calibration data stored in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If drive current is used to estimate focus position, then the estimation process is simple, but the accuracy is poor due to orientation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drive current data with orientation data from motion sensors to create a composite measurement that accounts for gravitational effects. This merging of multiple data sources resolves the contradiction by maintaining relative simplicity while significantly improving accuracy through data fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces calibration parameters specific to different device orientations that modify the relationship between drive current and focus position. By changing the measurement parameters based on orientation, the system maintains simplicity in the basic measurement process while achieving high accuracy through parameter adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If orientation compensation is added to improve accuracy, then focus position estimation becomes more accurate, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing motion sensors serve a dual function: their primary function for device orientation detection is enhanced to also provide data for focus position compensation. This multi-functionality approach improves accuracy without adding dedicated hardware, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation sensing mechanisms with electronic software-based compensation algorithms that process data from existing sensors. This substitution achieves high measurement precision through computational methods rather than additional mechanical components.
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
This approach provides accurate and reliable estimation of the camera lens position, enabling improved focus operations and applications like distance calculation and video stabilization by compensating for orientation-induced errors in drive current measurements.
Implementation Method 1
An orientation of an electronic device may then be detected using a motion sensor. A gravity vector based upon the orientation may then be determined.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium computer-implemented method for lens position estimation. A drive current value may be received from a lens driver. An orientation of an electronic device may be detected using a motion sensor. A gravity vector may be determined by a processor based upon the orientation. A drive current offset may be determined based upon the gravity vector. The drive current value may be combined with the calculated drive current offset to create a normalized drive current. A lens position value associated with a camera lens of the electronic device may be computed based upon the normalized drive current.