Rotatable Dual Camera Module for Intuitive Panoramic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile phone cameras with fixed focal lengths struggle to provide intuitive panoramic imaging, requiring users to pan steadily and carry additional supports, which can lead to suboptimal image quality due to the need for software construction of panoramic images.
Innovation Solution
A dual-camera module system where one camera module is rotatable relative to the other, allowing for overlapping image regions to be processed and combined, generating improved panoramic images without the need for external supports, using sensors and algorithms for alignment and distortion compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If panoramic imaging is achieved by software construction from panned images, then the viewing angle is expanded, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and requires the user to keep the mobile phone very steady
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the first camera module rotatable relative to the second camera module about a common axis. This mechanical rotation allows the user to intuitively capture panoramic images by simply rotating the device, eliminating the need for steady panning operations. The rotatable mechanism transforms the static dual-camera setup into a dynamic system that adapts to different shooting angles through physical movement rather than complex software processing.
2Reliability
If a support with a rotating head is used to improve panoramic image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the user must carry additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple camera modules and a rotating mechanism into a single integrated mobile phone device. The first and second camera modules are positioned at different locations on the device, and the first camera module can rotate relative to the second, combining panoramic capture, image stabilization, and quality enhancement functions into one unit. This eliminates the need for separate supports or additional equipment while maintaining improved panoramic image quality through the combination of multiple sensors and mechanical rotation.
3Device complexity
If a fixed focal length is used to keep camera module size and cost low, then the size and cost are reduced, but the panoramic imaging capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a rotational dimension to the dual-camera system, allowing the first camera module to rotate about an axis that passes through both camera modules. This rotational degree of freedom enables panoramic imaging capability without requiring variable focal lengths or complex lens systems. By introducing movement in another dimension (rotation) rather than changing focal length, the system achieves enhanced panoramic capability while maintaining fixed focal length cameras with simple, cost-effective designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus comprises at least one processor; at least one memory having computer-readable code stored thereon; a first camera module configured to provide first image data representative of a first image; and a second camera module configured to provide second image data representative of a second image. The first and second camera modules are arranged either side of an axis about which the first camera module is rotatable relative to the second camera module, and are arranged such that, when the first camera module is rotated relative to the second camera module by less than a threshold angle, a region of the first image overlaps a region of the second image. The computer-readable code, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to process the first image data and the second image data; and to generate third image data representative of a third image, the third image representing at least corresponding portions of the overlapping regions of the first and second images.