Methods and apparatus for detecting and/or indicating a blocked sensor or camera module
US10003738B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/63
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for detecting and/or indicating a blocked sensor and/or blocked camera module are described. The sensor maybe a distance sensor used to support focus operations. Depending on the embodiment, the camera system may include one or more sensors and one or more camera modules. As sensor output is received and/or images are captured by one or more camera modules, the sensor output, e.g., distance sensor output, and/or captured images, e.g., optical image sensor output, are checked to determine if one or more of the sensors and/or camera modules are obstructed. When an obstruction of a sensor or camera module is detected, to make a user aware of the obstruction condition a visual and/or physical indication of an obstructed sensor or camera module is provided to the user of the camera device. The indication may include haptic feedback in the form of vibrations and/or a visual obstruction indication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.