Multi-Camera System With Shared Processing Block

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-camera systems in devices like laptops and mobile phones require two separate camera systems to address the issue of camera orientation, leading to increased space, power, and manufacturing costs due to the need for two independent processing blocks.

Innovation Solution

A multi-camera system with two optical paths sharing a single processing path, allowing both cameras to capture and process image data efficiently, reducing implementation space, manufacturing costs, and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate camera systems are used to capture images in opposite directions, then the camera can point in multiple directions, but the space requirements, power consumption, and manufacturing costs double

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera direction coverageVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate camera systems into a single integrated camera module that captures images in opposite directions simultaneously. The merged system uses one imaging sensor, one processing block, and shared support structures, eliminating the need for duplicate components while maintaining the capability to capture images in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single camera system is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images in opposite directions simultaneously. The unified camera module serves as both the forward-facing and rear-facing camera, allowing the device to take pictures, record video, and perform video conferencing with a single multi-functional unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate processing blocks are used for two camera systems, then each camera can be processed independently, but the power consumption and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent camera processingVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate processing blocks into a single processing unit that handles image data from both directions. The unified processing block processes images captured in opposite directions simultaneously, reducing power consumption by eliminating duplicate processing circuits while maintaining independent processing capability for each direction through software control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If flexible wiring is used in maneuverable camera systems, then the camera can be rotated without moving the device, but the wiring becomes more expensive and prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera rotation capabilityVSAvoidwiring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rotation capability from the camera module itself and transfers it to the entire device housing. Instead of making the camera flexible and rotation-prone, the device body rotates along with the camera in a fixed, rigid mounting configuration, eliminating flexible wiring requirements entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the camera rotate independently within the device, the patent inverts the approach by having the entire device rotate with the camera in a fixed position. This reverses the traditional maneuverable camera concept and eliminates the need for flexible connections by making the mounting rigid and the device itself movable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Device complexity

If the camera is mounted in a fixed position, then the device structure is simplified, but the user cannot see the view screen when the camera points away

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structureVSAvoidscreen visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the forward-facing display and rear-facing camera functions into a single device configuration. The view screen is positioned and oriented to remain visible to the user regardless of which direction the unified camera system is facing, allowing simultaneous screen visibility and image capture in opposite directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7724284B2Multi-camera system and method having a common processing block

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 APTINA IMAGING CORP

AI summary

A system and method for realizing a multi-camera system having two optical paths with a single processing path for the two optical paths. Such a multi-camera system typically includes a first image-capture device associated with a first optical train wherein the first image-capture device is typically pointed in a first direction (i.e., away from the user). The multi-camera system further includes a second image-capture device having a second optical train wherein the second image-capture device is typically pointed in a second direction (i.e., toward the user). The multi-camera system further includes a single processing block coupled to the first image-capture device and the second image-capture device. The processing block is typically operable to process image data captured at each image-capture device.