Multi-Camera FOV Control Using Optical Steering for Stable Zoom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require physical movement to change the field of view (FOV) of a preview image, leading to blurring in high-magnification environments and difficulty in adjusting the FOV to desired positions, especially when the FOV is narrow.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with multiple cameras and a field-of-view movement optical element, such as a prism, controlled by a processor to adjust the FOV without physical movement, allowing users to select and focus on different areas within the image using a touch interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device is moved to change the FOV of the preview image, then different FOVs can be acquired, but image blurring occurs severely in high-magnification environments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFOV adjustment capabilityVSAvoidimage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the entire electronic device with an optical field-of-view movement mechanism. The processor controls the field-of-view movement optical element to change the FOV of the preview image without physically moving the device, thereby avoiding image blurring while maintaining FOV adjustment capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a field-of-view movement optical element as an intermediary component between the camera and the processor. This optical element (such as a movable lens or prism) adjusts the FOV by altering the light path, serving as a mediator that enables FOV change without device movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the FOV of the preview image is narrow, then high-magnification imaging is achieved, but the user has difficulty in moving the FOV to a desired position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnification precisionVSAvoidFOV adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic FOV adjustment by allowing the field-of-view movement optical element to be controlled in real-time based on user input. The processor receives user input regarding a desired position in the second image and dynamically adjusts the FOV to center on that position, making narrow FOV adjustment easy and intuitive

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback by displaying the second image (with wider FOV) in the second area of the display, allowing users to see the full context and select desired positions. The processor uses this user selection as feedback to adjust the FOV accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 the electronic device to change the FOV without physical movement, reducing blurring and enabling capture of diverse FOVs, enhancing image quality and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a field-of-view movement optical element configured to control a path of light incident to the first camera so as to move the first field-of-view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight path control: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4283979B1Electronic device comprising plurality of cameras and operating method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4283979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4283979B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4283979B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein may obtain a first image corresponding to a first field-of-view through a first camera, obtain a second image corresponding to a second field-of-view wider than the first field-of-view through a second camera, determine a third image corresponding to a partial area of the second image based on a range in which the first field-of-view may move through a field-of-view movement means, display the first image on the first area of the display, display the third image on a second area smaller than the first area of the display, receive a user input with respect to one point of the second area of the display, control, in response to the reception of the user input, the field-of-view movement means so that a subject corresponding to the one point of the second area is located within the first field-of-view, and display, on the first area of the display, an image obtained through the first camera and corresponding to a first field-of-view moved according to control of the field-of-view movement means.