Mobile Terminal Camera Selection Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals require manual user intervention to switch between front-facing and rear-facing cameras, which is complex and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A method for a mobile terminal to automatically select between front-facing and rear-facing cameras based on the distance between the terminal and the user, using a distance measurement module to determine whether to turn on the front-facing or rear-facing camera depending on a preset numeric value, with adjustments possible based on application requests, user usage patterns, personal information, and environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual switching between front-facing and rear-facing cameras is implemented, then the user can control camera selection, but the operation becomes complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera selection operationVSAvoidswitching operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines which camera to activate based on detected user actions and contextual parameters without requiring manual user intervention. The terminal device self-adjusts camera selection based on detected gestures, holding duration, and application type, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual switching operation with an automated detection and control system. Instead of requiring users to physically tap buttons or swipe to switch cameras, the system uses sensors and software algorithms to detect user intent and automatically activate the appropriate camera.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automatic camera selection based on distance is implemented, then the operation is simplified, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera selection automationVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing multi-functional components in the terminal device, such as the screen that can detect touch duration and gesture patterns, and the processor that can analyze application types and user behavior. By making these existing components serve multiple functions including camera selection, the system achieves automation without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces software algorithms and control logic as intermediaries between user actions and camera activation. These software layers process detected gestures, analyze contextual parameters, and determine camera selection, acting as a mediator that translates simple user inputs into automated camera control without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If camera selection is based on multiple factors (application type, usage patterns, environment), then the accuracy of selection is improved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera selection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of application types and user behavior patterns before camera activation is needed. By pre-processing and categorizing application information and usage data, the system prepares selection criteria in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making when the user actually needs to take a photo or video.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of camera selection parameters based on real-time conditions. The system continuously monitors user behavior patterns, application context, and environmental factors, dynamically adapting its selection criteria rather than relying on fixed rules. This allows accurate selection while managing processing complexity through adaptive rather than exhaustive analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3386174B1Method for selection between front-facing camera and rear-facing camera of mobile terminal and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3386174B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3386174B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3386174B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for selection between a front-facing camera and a rear-facing camera of a mobile terminal and a mobile terminal, which are used to implement automatic selection between the front-facing camera and the rear-facing camera of the mobile terminal. The method in the embodiments of the present invention includes: receiving, by a mobile terminal, a photographing request initiated by a user; determining, by the mobile terminal, a distance between the mobile terminal and the user; and if the distance is greater than or equal to a preset numeric value, turning on a front-facing camera of the mobile terminal; if the distance is less than the preset numeric value, turning on a rear-facing camera of the mobile terminal. The embodiments of the present invention can implement automatic selection between the front-facing camera and the rear-facing camera of the mobile terminal.