Multifocal Camera Refraction Switching for Rapid Near-Far Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling system cameras face challenges with slow focus adjustments and incorrect focus on nearby objects, leading to a suboptimal user experience during video conferences.
Innovation Solution
A multifocal camera system using a refractive material inserted and removed between the lens and image sensor to rapidly adjust focus between infinity and macro modes without moving the lens, facilitated by an insertion actuator controlled by a processing resource.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a voice coil motor (VCM) or other actuator is used to move the lens relative to the image sensor to adjust focus, then the camera can achieve focus adjustment, but the focus process becomes slow and takes three seconds or more
Solution Approach 1:
A refractive material is introduced as an intermediary element between the lens and image sensor. This refractive material, when inserted into the optical path, changes the focal point of the lens without requiring mechanical movement of the lens itself. The refractive material acts as a mediator that enables rapid focus switching between macro and infinity modes by simply inserting or removing from the optical path, achieving focus adjustment in a fraction of the time required by traditional VCM mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is manufactured with limited focus capability on near objects, then the focus process is simplified, but the camera operability is limited for functions such as capture of visual images of nearby documents
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system dynamically switches between different focus modes (macro and infinity) by inserting or removing the refractive material from the optical path. This dynamic configuration allows the camera to adapt to different shooting scenarios - when the refractive material is inserted, the camera achieves macro focus for nearby objects; when removed, the camera achieves infinity focus for distant subjects. This dynamic switching mechanism provides versatile focus capability without requiring complex multi-element lens systems.
3Measurement precision
If the contrast focus logic centers on the near view of the camera, then the near objects are in focus, but the more distal objects of interest result in a poor image
Solution Approach 1:
The focus system is segmented into distinct focus modes (macro and infinity) rather than attempting continuous focus adjustment. The refractive material enables the camera to switch between these segmented focus states. When macro mode is needed, the refractive material is inserted to optimize focus for near objects. When infinity mode is needed, the refractive material is removed to optimize focus for distant objects. This segmentation approach allows the camera to achieve precise focus accuracy for the intended subject distance without the compromise of trying to focus on both near and far objects simultaneously.
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
The system achieves rapid focus transitions, minimizing user disruption and ensuring accurate focus on both near and distant objects, while reducing costs by eliminating the need for traditional lens actuators.
Implementation Method 1
A refractive material is inserted between and retracted from a position between the camera lens and image sensor to rapidly adjust the camera to operate at different focal distances
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system camera that includes a rapid focus capability for near and far objects by selectively inserting and removing a refractive material between the camera lens and image sensor to effectively adjust the camera focusing distance. When far object focus is desired, a refractive material of predefined properties is inserted to enable an instant focus of the far object to the image sensor. When a near object focus is desired, the refractive material is removed (or replaced with a thinner material) to rapidly achieve focus. In addition, a voice coil motor or other actuator fine tunes the focus when desired. In one alternative embodiment, focus is performed only with the insertion and retraction of the refractive material so that no lens actuator is included in the camera. The refractive material extends the back focal distance between the lens and image sensor relative to the back focal distance without the refractive material. Rapid insertion of refractive material shortens the time to adjust focus relative to focus time associated with actuator-based lens movement focus.