Pop-Up Camera Power Control for Full-Screen Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent operation of a driving mechanism to raise and lower a camera in a full-screen terminal increases power consumption, leading to a reduction in the terminal's usage time.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control method that maintains the camera in a raised or retracted state based on the terminal's remaining power and user demands, using a first operating mode where the driving mechanism ignores certain control instructions to prevent unnecessary raising and lowering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driving mechanism frequently raises and lowers the camera to enable photographing, then the camera functionality is achieved, but the power consumption increases and usage time reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera photographing functionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the camera module movable between raised and retracted positions through a driving mechanism. The camera can be dynamically adjusted based on operational needs, allowing it to be raised when photographing is required and retracted when not needed, thereby balancing functionality with power conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by repeatedly raising and lowering the camera module based on periodic photographing operations. The driving mechanism activates periodically to raise the camera before each photographing session and after completion, creating a cyclic pattern of movement that enables functionality while minimizing continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the driving mechanism frequently raises and lowers the camera, then the camera can be used for photographing, but the usage time of the terminal reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotographing operation frequencyVSAvoidusage time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic positioning of the camera module allows it to be raised only when photographing operations are needed and retracted during non-photographing periods. This dynamic adjustment enables multiple photographing sessions while managing the overall duration of motor activation to preserve battery life and extend usage time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The periodic raising and lowering of the camera module aligns with periodic photographing needs. By activating the driving mechanism only during necessary photographing intervals and keeping it retracted otherwise, the system maintains productivity for multiple operations while limiting the cumulative duration of high-power motor operation to extend overall usage time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Shape

If the camera is designed as a raising-lowering type to maintain screen-to-body ratio, then the aesthetic design is achieved, but the power consumption increases due to frequent driving mechanism operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-to-body ratioVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed with dynamic raising and lowering capability, allowing it to be positioned out of the way during non-use to maintain the terminal's sleek screen-to-body ratio aesthetic. The driving mechanism activates only when photographing is needed, enabling the device to transition between a compact aesthetic form and a functional photographing state, thereby preserving energy by avoiding continuous motor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3846421B1Camera control method and terminal
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3846421B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3846421B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3846421B1 patent drawingFigure 4a

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of controlling a camera and a terminal. The method includes: obtaining a remaining power of the terminal; and in a case where the remaining power of the terminal meets a preset condition and the terminal meets a camera raising-lowering condition, controlling the camera to maintain a raised state or a retracted state.