Secondary Camera Lens Positioning for Accurate Depth Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices with multiple cameras face challenges in accurately determining the lens position for secondary cameras, leading to inaccurate depth maps and lower quality depth-of-field effects like bokeh, due to reliance on a single autofocus determination.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid autofocus technique is employed, where the lens position for the secondary camera is selectively set based on the lens position of the primary camera or the secondary camera's autofocus, depending on criteria such as matching regions of interest and confidence in depth estimation algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lens position for the secondary camera is determined solely based on the primary camera's lens position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of depth estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between two lens position determination methods for the secondary camera: using the primary camera's lens position or performing independent autofocus. The selection is made based on real-time criteria such as whether the region of interest is captured by both cameras and the confidence level of autofocus, allowing the system to adapt to different imaging conditions and optimize both simplicity and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of lens position determination method based on confidence levels and imaging conditions. When confidence is high and ROI matches, it uses the simpler primary camera-based method; when confidence is low or ROI differs, it switches to the more accurate independent autofocus method for the secondary camera
2Measurement precision
If independent autofocus is performed for the secondary camera, then the measurement precision of depth estimation is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines whether to perform independent autofocus for the secondary camera based on real-time imaging conditions and confidence levels. When the region of interest is captured by both cameras and autofocus confidence is sufficient, the system skips independent autofocus and uses the primary camera's lens position instead, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining adequate accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the primary camera's autofocus results to serve the secondary camera's lens position determination needs when conditions permit, eliminating the need for redundant autofocus processing on the secondary camera and reducing overall processing time
3Productivity
If the lens position for the secondary camera is determined based on the primary camera's lens position, then the productivity of image capture is improved, but the reliability of depth-of-field effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the lens position determination strategy for the secondary camera based on imaging conditions and confidence levels. When the region of interest is captured by both cameras and autofocus confidence is sufficient, it uses the efficient primary camera-based method; otherwise, it performs independent autofocus to ensure reliable depth-of-field effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from region of interest matching and autofocus confidence levels to determine the appropriate lens position determination method for the secondary camera, ensuring that reliability requirements are met while maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for camera processing includes detecting a first region of interest for image content captured with a primary camera, detecting a second region of interest for image content captured with a secondary camera, comparing the first region of interest and the second region of interest, determining a first lens position for a secondary camera lens of the secondary camera based on an autofocus process for the secondary camera, determining a second lens position for the secondary camera lens of the secondary camera based on a determined lens position for a primary camera lens of the primary camera, determining a lens position for the secondary camera lens based on the first lens position or the second lens position based at least in part on the comparison, and causing the secondary camera to capture images with the secondary camera lens at the determined lens position.