Retractable Camera Ejection Control for Obstruction Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals with retractable cameras risk damage during ejection due to obstruction or external interference, leading to potential mechanical failure.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method and device to detect conditions indicating a risk of camera damage before ejection, disabling the ejection instruction when such risks are detected, and allowing ejection only when conditions are favorable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mobile terminal directly ejects the retractable camera after receiving the ejection instruction, then the camera can be used immediately, but the camera may be damaged if the ejection position is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera ejection responsivenessVSAvoidcamera damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing obstruction detection before executing the camera ejection operation. The control unit detects whether the ejection position is blocked using sensor data (proximity sensors, light sensors, or camera-based detection) before commanding the motor to eject the camera. This preliminary check prevents damage by ensuring the path is clear before the mechanical ejection action occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a preventive control mechanism that actively identifies and counteracts potential damage risks before they materialize. The system detects obstruction conditions and generates counter-instructions to prevent the ejection command from being executed, thereby neutralizing the harmful effect of forced ejection into blocked positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the mobile terminal detects obstruction and prevents camera ejection, then camera damage is avoided, but the camera cannot be used when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera protectionVSAvoidcamera availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the camera ejection state adaptable and changeable based on real-time environmental conditions. The control unit continuously monitors obstruction status and dynamically adjusts the camera's ejection state - keeping it retracted when blocked, allowing ejection when clear. This dynamic response ensures the camera is available for use whenever conditions permit, rather than being permanently restricted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop control system where sensor data about the ejection environment is continuously fed back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback information and adjusts the camera ejection state accordingly - permitting ejection when no obstruction is detected and preventing ejection when obstruction is detected, thereby balancing protection with availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3896949B1Method, device for controlling retractable camera, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3896949B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3896949B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3896949B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method, device, and storage medium for controlling a retractable camera. The method can include receiving an instruction for ejecting the retractable camera, detecting whether the mobile terminal meets a condition indicating that the camera has a risk of damage when being ejected, and disabling the instruction for ejecting the retractable camera when the mobile terminal meets the condition indicating that the camera has a risk of damage when being ejected. In the present disclosure, after the instruction for ejecting the retractable camera is received, the retractable camera is not ejected immediately. On the contrary, the mobile terminal is first determined whether meets the condition indicating that the camera has a risk of damage when being ejected. When the mobile terminal meets the condition indicating that the camera has a risk of damage when being ejected, the instruction for ejecting the camera is disabled.