Ultra-Wide Camera Switching for Stable Super Macro Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face instability in photographing modes like super macro mode due to reduced accuracy of wide-angle camera parameters, leading to poor shooting stability when switching between cameras without a laser sensor.

Innovation Solution

A method for switching cameras in electronic devices that improves stability by using a ultra wide-angle camera as the main camera when the distance to the subject becomes less than the effective focusing distance of the wide-angle camera, enhancing the field of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device automatically switches between different cameras based on wide-angle camera parameters, then the electronic device can adapt to different shooting distances, but the accuracy of distance parameter measurement deteriorates when the distance is less than the effective focusing distance of the wide-angle camera

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera switching capabilityVSAvoiddistance parameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a laser sensor as an intermediary measurement device to obtain distance parameters. When the subject distance is within the effective focusing distance of the wide-angle camera, the laser sensor provides accurate distance measurements, serving as a mediator to resolve the measurement accuracy issue. The laser sensor's time-of-flight measurement capability complements the wide-angle camera's parameter-based estimation, ensuring continuous accurate distance data across all shooting ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter source dynamically based on shooting conditions. Instead of relying solely on wide-angle camera parameters, the system switches to laser sensor data when appropriate, and combines both sources through parameter fusion algorithms. This parameter change strategy maintains measurement accuracy across different distance ranges while preserving the camera switching adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the electronic device uses the ultra wide-angle camera as the main camera for super macro mode, then the field of view is enhanced, but the stability of the photographing mode deteriorates due to inaccurate parameter switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidphotographing mode stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the laser sensor continuously provides accurate distance information to the camera switching control system. This real-time feedback ensures that the decision to switch to ultra wide-angle camera for super macro mode is based on precise measurements rather than potentially inaccurate wide-angle camera parameters, thereby maintaining mode stability while enjoying the enhanced field of view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary distance measurement using the laser sensor before determining whether to enter super macro mode. By obtaining accurate distance data in advance, the system can make informed decisions about camera switching, preventing premature or incorrect mode transitions that would compromise photographing mode stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device switches to the ultra wide-angle camera when distance is less than effective focusing distance, then the super macro mode is activated, but the system automatically exits the mode due to parameter inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuper macro mode activationVSAvoidmode continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The laser sensor acts as an intermediary that provides reliable distance measurements during super macro mode operation. When the ultra wide-angle camera is activated, the laser sensor continues to supply accurate distance data, serving as a mediator that prevents the system from incorrectly detecting parameter violations and automatically exiting the mode. This ensures continuous stable operation in super macro mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using laser sensor data to cushion against potential parameter inaccuracies that could trigger premature mode exit. The accurate laser measurements provide a buffer that prevents false detection of out-of-range conditions, allowing the super macro mode to maintain stability even when wide-angle camera parameters become unreliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4387256B1Camera switching method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4387256B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4387256B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4387256B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

This application relates to the field of terminals, and provides a method for switching cameras and an electronic device. The method is applicable to an electronic device, the electronic device includes a camera module, the camera module includes a first camera and a second camera, and the method includes: running a camera application in the electronic device; displaying a first image; determining whether a first distance and a second distance meet a first preset condition, where the first distance and the second distance indicate an object distance between the electronic device and a to-be-photographed object, the first distance is an object distance that is obtained based on a parameter of the first camera, and the second distance is an object distance that is obtained based on a parameter of the second camera; and displaying a second image when the first distance and the second distance meet the first preset condition. Based on a technical solution of this application, a problem that the electronic device automatically exits a super macro mode may be avoided, thereby improving stability of the super macro mode in the electronic device; and shooting experience of a user is improved.