WO2020060081A1

WO2020060081A1 - Electronic device for driving plurality of cameras on basis of external illuminance

Info

Publication number: WO2020060081A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/011494
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김학준
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2018-09-18
Filing date: 2019-09-05
Publication date: 2020-03-26
Also published as: KR102544709B1; KR20200032411A

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document comprises: a first camera; a second camera; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain an image by using the first camera; while obtaining the image by using the first camera, check, by using the first camera, a time in which illuminance of the outside of the electronic device belongs to a designated illuminance range; activate the second camera at least on the basis of determination that the time satisfies a first designated time ; when the time checked after the second camera is activated satisfies a second designated time, deactivate the second camera; and when the time checked after the second camera is activated satisfies a third designated time, obtain an image by using the second camera, and deactivate the first camera. In addition, various embodiments inferred from the specification are also possible.

Description

An electronic device that drives multiple cameras based on external illuminance

The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a dual camera implementation technology.

Digital cameras have a problem of acquiring an image with a clear boundary or a very dark image due to movement of a camera or a subject in a low-light environment. Therefore, an electronic device equipped with a digital camera increases the exposure value of a digital camera in a low-light environment, or improves the image quality of a low-light image by applying a brightness / color correction algorithm for an image acquired in a low-light environment.

Conventional electronic devices use one camera to improve the image quality of a low-light image.

Various embodiments disclosed in this document provide an electronic device capable of improving image quality in a low light environment using a plurality of cameras.

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure includes a first camera; A second camera; And a processor, wherein the processor is configured to acquire an image using the first camera, and while obtaining an image using the first camera, the illuminance outside the electronic device is designated using the first camera. Checking the time belonging to the illuminance range, based on at least a determination that the time satisfies the first specified time, activates the second camera, and the time identified after the second camera is activated is the second designated time When the time is satisfied, the second camera is deactivated, and when the time identified after the second camera is activated satisfies the third designated time, an image is acquired using the second camera, and the It may be set to deactivate the first camera.

In addition, the electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document, the housing; display; A first camera disposed on the first surface of the housing; A second camera disposed on a first surface of the housing so as to be spaced apart from the first camera at a specified distance, and having a higher image quality than the first camera in a designated illumination range; And a processor functionally connected to the display, the first camera, and the second camera, the processor outputting an image acquired using the first camera to the display, and using the first camera While outputting the obtained image to the display, the first camera is used to check the illuminance outside the electronic device, and if the external illuminance falls within the specified illuminance range, the second camera is activated, The image acquired by using the second camera may be output to the display, and may be set to deactivate the first camera.

In addition, an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure includes: a sensor module capable of detecting illuminance outside the electronic device; A first camera; A second camera; And a processor, wherein the processor acquires an image using the first camera and acquires an image using the first camera, wherein the illuminance outside the electronic device is designated using the sensor module. Checking the time belonging to the range, based on the determination that the time satisfies the first specified time, activates the second camera, and confirms the time after the second camera is activated is the second specified time If satisfactory, the second camera is deactivated, and if the time identified after the second camera is activated satisfies a third designated time, an image is acquired using the second camera, and the second 1 Can be set to deactivate the camera.

According to embodiments disclosed in the present document, image quality may be improved in a low-light environment using a plurality of cameras. In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly identified through this document may be provided.

1 illustrates appearances of first and second surfaces of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

3 shows the structure of a tetracell image sensor according to an embodiment.

4 is a schematic flowchart of a camera switching method according to an embodiment.

5 is a detailed flowchart of a camera switching method according to an embodiment.

6 is an example of a case where the first camera is switched to the second camera and then switched to the first camera according to an embodiment.

7 is another example of switching from the first camera to the second camera and then switching to the first camera according to an embodiment.

8 is an example of a case in which a first camera is used even in a change in external illuminance according to an embodiment.

9 is an example of a case in which a second camera is used even in a change in external illuminance according to an embodiment.

10 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

1 illustrates appearances h100 of first and second surfaces of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 may include a first camera 110, a second camera 120, and a display 130.

According to an embodiment, the first camera 110 may be provided on the first surface (eg, rear) 102 of the electronic device 100. The first camera 110 may have a first angle of view and a first focal length, and photograph the first shooting range.

According to an embodiment, the second camera 120 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the first camera 110 on the first surface 102 of the electronic device 100. The second camera 120 has a second angle of view and a second focal length, and may photograph the second shooting range. The second angle of view may be the same as or similar to the first angle of view. The second focal length may be the same or similar to the first focal length. The first shooting range and the second shooting range may overlap at least a designated range (eg, about 70% or more). According to various embodiments, the first camera 110 and the second camera 120 may be disposed on a first surface on which the display 130 of the electronic device 100 is disposed.

According to an embodiment, the display 130 may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device 100 through at least a portion of the second surface (eg, front) 101 of the electronic device 100. The display 130 may be, for example, a touch screen display.

2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 100 may include a first camera 110, a second camera 120, a display 130, a memory 140, and a processor 150.

According to an embodiment, the first camera 110 may have better image quality than the second camera 120 in the first illumination range. The first illuminance range may include, for example, an illuminance range exceeding the critical illuminance. The critical illuminance is an illuminance that is a low illuminance criterion, and may be, for example, about 50 lux.

According to an embodiment, the second camera 120 may have better image quality than the first camera 110 in the second illuminance range. The second illuminance range is a low illuminance range, and may include, for example, an illuminance range below a critical illuminance.

According to an embodiment, the total number of pixels of the first camera 110 may be greater than the total number of pixels of the second camera 120. For example, the first camera 110 may include a 24M pixel image sensor, and the second camera 120 may include a 16M pixel image sensor. Alternatively, when the second camera 120 includes a tetra cell image sensor, the total number of pixels of the first camera 110 may be less than the total number of pixels of the second camera 120. For example, the first camera 110 may include a 16M pixel image sensor, and the second camera 120 may include a 24M pixel tetracell image sensor.

According to an embodiment, the display 130 may output (display) an image obtained by using at least one of the first camera 110 or the second camera 120. The display 130 may be, for example, a touch screen display that receives user input. The display 130 may display various contents (for example, text, images, videos, icons, and / or symbols, etc.). The display 130 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or an electronic paper display.

According to an embodiment, the memory 140 may store, for example, commands or data related to at least one other component of the electronic device 100. The memory 140 may be volatile memory (eg, RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, ROM, flash memory, etc.) or a combination thereof. The memory 140 may store a first illumination range, a second illumination range, a first threshold time, a second threshold time, a third threshold time, and a fourth threshold time. The memory 140 may store commands for activating or deactivating the first camera 110 and the second camera 120.

According to one embodiment, the processor 150 checks the illuminance outside the electronic device 100 using at least one of the first camera 110 or the second camera 120, and the external illuminance ranges from the first illuminance range Depending on whether it belongs to or belongs to the second illumination range, at least one of the first camera 110 or the second camera 120 is activated, and the image is imaged using the first camera 110 or the second camera 120. To obtain, and output the obtained image to the display 130. The processor 150 may execute operations or data processing related to control and / or communication of at least one other component of the electronic device 100 using instructions stored in the memory 140. The processor 150 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). )), And may have a plurality of cores.

According to an embodiment, when entering the preview mode, the processor 150 may activate the first camera 110, acquire an image using the first camera 110, and output the image to the display 130. For example, when entering the preview mode, the processor 150 activates the first camera 110 regardless of external illuminance, acquires an image using the first camera 110, and outputs the image to the display 130 can do. The processor 150 may check external illuminance using the first camera 110 while acquiring an image using the first camera 110. The processor 150 may check whether the identified external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range or the second illuminance range.

If the external illuminance confirmed while acquiring an image using the first camera 110 belongs to the second illuminance range, the processor 150 may perform a first time (first duration) in which the external illuminance belongs to the second illuminance range. Time) can be checked (measured). For example, while acquiring an image using the first camera 110, the processor 150 may start a measurement of the first time by driving a timer when it is determined that the external illuminance falls within the second illuminance range. . The timer may be a component built into the processor 150. Alternatively, the timer may be configured separately from the processor 150.

While acquiring an image using the first camera 110, the processor 150 may obtain a second camera when the first time in the second illuminance range satisfies the first specified time (or time condition) while acquiring an image using the first camera 110. (120) can be activated. For example, if the first time satisfies the first specified time, it may be that the first time exceeds the first threshold time. The first threshold time may be determined, for example, based on at least one of the optical characteristics of the first camera 110 or the optical characteristics of the second camera 120. The optical characteristic may include, for example, at least one of F _number , exposure value, and aperture value. The processor 150 stops driving the timer and initializes a timer (eg, when the external illuminance is out of the second illuminance range) while checking the first time that the external illuminance belongs to the second illuminance range. First time).

The processor 150 may deactivate the second camera 120 if the first time identified after the second camera 120 is activated satisfies the second designated time (time condition). Since the first time identified after the second camera 120 is activated is a time accumulated from before activating the second camera 120, it may be a time exceeding at least the first threshold time. When the first time satisfies the second designated time, it may be that the external illuminance is outside the second illuminance range before the first time exceeds the second threshold time. The second threshold time may be set based on at least one of the optical characteristics of the first camera 110 and the optical characteristics of the second camera 120. For example, the second threshold time may be set to exceed the time required for the second camera 120 to stabilize after the second camera 120 is activated based on the optical characteristics of the second camera 120. have. For another example, the second threshold time may be set to be shorter as the difference between the F _number value of the first camera 110 and the F _number value of the second camera 120 increases. When deactivating the second camera 120, the processor 150 may stop driving the timer and initialize the timer.

When the first time satisfies the third designated time, the processor 150 may acquire an image using the second camera 120 and deactivate the first camera 110. When the first time satisfies the third designated time, the first time that the external illuminance falls within the second illuminance range while acquiring an image using the first camera 110 exceeds the second threshold time. You can.

The processor 150 may check the external illuminance using the second camera 120 while acquiring an image using the second camera 120. For example, while acquiring an image using the second camera 120, the processor 150 may check whether the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range or the second illuminance range.

While acquiring an image using the second camera 120, the processor 150 determines a second time (second duration) belonging to the first illuminance range when it is determined that the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range. Can be confirmed. For example, while the processor 150 acquires an image using the second camera 120, if it determines that the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range, it starts a timer to start measuring the second time. You can.

When the second time satisfies the fourth designated time, the processor 150 may activate the first camera 110. When the second time satisfies the fourth designated time, the second time may exceed the third threshold time. The third threshold time may be determined, for example, based on at least one of the optical characteristics of the second camera 120 or the optical characteristics of the first camera 110.

The processor 150 may deactivate the first camera 110 if the second time identified after activating the first camera 110 satisfies the fifth designated time (time condition). Since the second time identified after activating the first camera 110 is a time accumulated from before activating the first camera 110, it may be a time exceeding at least the third threshold time. When the second time satisfies the fifth designated time, external illuminance may be outside the first illuminance range before the second time exceeds the fourth threshold time. The fourth threshold time may be set based on the optical characteristics of the first camera 110. For example, the fourth threshold time may be set to exceed a time required for the first camera 110 to stabilize after the first camera 110 is activated based on the characteristics of the first camera 110. . For another example, the fourth threshold time may be set shorter as the difference between the F _number value of the first camera 110 and the F _number value of the second camera 120 increases. When deactivating the first camera 110, the processor 150 may stop driving the timer and initialize the timer (initialize the second time).

If the second time determined after activating the first camera 110 satisfies the sixth designated time, the processor 150 acquires an image using the first camera 110 and the second camera 120 Can be disabled. When the second time satisfies the sixth designated time, the second time that the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range while acquiring an image using the second camera 120 exceeds the fourth threshold time. You can. The fourth threshold time may be set to less than the second threshold time.

According to an embodiment, when the capture request is confirmed while the processor 150 outputs an image obtained using the first camera 110 or the second camera 120 to the display 130, the processor 150 An image may be taken using a camera corresponding to the image, and the captured image may be stored in the memory 140.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 further includes an illuminance sensor (not shown), and the processor 150 can detect external illuminance using the illuminance sensor. In various embodiments, a plurality of illuminance sensors are provided at a plurality of positions of the electronic device 100 (for example, when the illuminance sensors are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the electronic device 100), and the processor 150 is Among the first camera 110 and the second camera 120, external illuminance may be detected using an illuminance sensor located close to the camera being used to acquire an image. In various embodiments, before entering the preview mode, the electronic device 100 detects the external illuminance using the illuminance sensor, and selects the external illuminance from the first camera 110 and the second camera 120 according to the external illuminance. The first camera to be used in the preview mode is determined, and the determined camera is activated in the preview mode to acquire an image from the determined camera.

According to the above-described embodiment, the processor 150 may check the external illuminance, and acquire an image using a camera having higher image quality at the current illuminance among the first camera 110 and the second camera 120. In particular, it is possible to increase user satisfaction with images in a low-light environment in which image quality deteriorates.

In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, when the processor 150, in addition to the external illuminance, considering at least one of the optical characteristics of the first camera 110 and the second camera 120, the image quality can be substantially improved, As the camera used for acquiring an image is switched, a quality improvement effect can be obtained substantially due to the camera switching.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 2) includes a first camera (eg, the first camera 110 of FIG. 2); A second camera (eg, second camera 120 in FIG. 2); And a processor (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2), wherein the processor acquires an image using the first camera and acquires an image using the first camera, while the first camera Checking the time when the illuminance outside the electronic device falls within a specified illuminance range, and activating the second camera based on at least a determination that the time satisfies the first specified time, and activating the second camera If the time checked after the time satisfies the second designated time, the second camera is deactivated, and when the time checked after the second camera is activated satisfies the third designated time, the second time It may be set to acquire an image using a 2 camera and deactivate the first camera.

According to an embodiment, in a situation in which the external illuminance falls within the specified illuminance range, the image quality of the image acquired using the second camera may be superior to that of the image acquired using the first camera. .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device further includes a display (eg, the display 130), and the processor may be configured to output the image obtained by the first camera or the second camera to the display. have.

The designated illuminance range may include an illuminance range below a specified illuminance or an illuminance range exceeding the specified illuminance.

The processor may be configured to determine that the time satisfies the first specified time when the time exceeds a first threshold time while acquiring an image using the first camera.

The processor, while acquiring an image using the first camera, in a situation where the time is less than or equal to a second threshold time, if the illuminance is outside the specified illuminance range, the time satisfies the second specified time And the second threshold time exceeds the first threshold time and may be determined based on optical characteristics of the first camera and the second camera.

The processor is set to determine that the time satisfies the third specified time if the time exceeds a second threshold time while acquiring an image using the first camera, and the second threshold time May exceed the first threshold time and be determined based on optical characteristics of the first camera and the second camera.

The second threshold time may be set to more than the time required for stabilization after the second camera is activated.

The second threshold time, wherein the larger the difference between the first camera and the second camera of the F _number value of the F _number value may be set shorter.

The processor, while acquiring an image using the second camera, uses the second camera to identify another time when the external illuminance is out of the specified illuminance range, and the other time to determine a fourth specified time. The first camera may be activated based at least on a satisfied decision. The processor deactivates the first camera when the other time identified after the first camera is activated satisfies the fifth designated time, and the other time checked after the first camera is activated is removed. 6 If a specified time is satisfied, an image may be acquired using the first camera, and the second camera may be deactivated.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (eg, 100 in FIG. 2) includes a housing (eg, h100 in FIG. 1); A display (eg, 130 in FIG. 1); A first camera (eg, the first camera 110 of FIG. 1) disposed on a first surface of the housing (eg, the first surface 102 of FIG. 1); A second camera disposed on a first surface of the housing to be spaced apart from the first camera at a specified distance, and having a higher image quality than the first camera in a designated illumination range (eg, the second camera 120 of FIG. 1); And a processor (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2) functionally connected to the display, the first camera, and the second camera. The processor outputs an image acquired using the first camera to the display, and outputs an image acquired using the first camera to the display, while using the first camera to externally use the electronic device. Checking the illuminance of, and when the external illuminance falls within the specified illuminance range, activates the second camera, outputs an image acquired using the second camera to the display, and deactivates the first camera Can be set.

The processor, in an operation of activating the second camera, when the external illuminance falls within the specified illuminance range, the external illuminance confirms a first duration within the specified illuminance range, and the first duration If the time exceeds the first threshold time, it can be set to activate the second camera.

In the operation of deactivating the first camera, the processor is configured to deactivate the second camera when the first duration determined after the second camera is activated exceeds a second threshold time, and the processor is deactivated. The second threshold time may exceed the first threshold time and be determined based at least on the optical characteristics of the first camera and the second camera.

The processor may be configured to deactivate the second camera when the illuminance is outside the specified illuminance range in a situation in which the first duration exceeds the first threshold time and is less than or equal to the second threshold time.

In a situation in which the external illuminance is outside the specified illuminance range, the image quality of the first camera is superior to that of the second camera, and the processor is configured to display an image acquired using the second camera on the display. During output, the external camera is used to check the external illuminance, and if the external illuminance is outside the specified illuminance range, the first camera is activated, and an image acquired using the first camera It can be set to output to the display, and to deactivate the second camera.

The processor, in an operation of activating the first camera, if the external illuminance is outside the specified illuminance range, the external illuminance confirms a second duration outside the specified illuminance range, and the second duration If the time exceeds the third threshold time, it can be set to activate the first camera.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (eg, 100 in FIG. 2) includes: a sensor module (eg, a sensor module 1076 in FIG. 10) that can detect the illuminance outside the electronic device; A first camera (eg, first camera 110 in FIG. 2); A second camera (eg, second camera 120 in FIG. 2); And a processor (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2), wherein the processor acquires an image using the first camera and acquires an image using the first camera while the sensor module is acquired. Use to check the time that the illumination outside the electronic device falls within a specified illumination range, activate the second camera based on at least a determination that the time satisfies the first specified time, and activate the second camera If the time identified thereafter satisfies the second designated time, deactivate the second camera, and if the time checked after the second camera is activated satisfies the third designated time, the second It may be set to acquire an image using a camera and deactivate the first camera.

The sensor module includes a plurality of illuminance sensors, and the processor uses the illuminance sensor relatively close to the first camera among the plurality of illuminance sensors while acquiring an image using the first camera. It can be set to detect external illuminance.

3 is a diagram comparing the structure of a general image sensor having a same pixel (16 pixels) and a tetracell image sensor according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the general image sensor 310 is an image sensor to which one color filter is applied per pixel, whereas the tetracell image sensor 320 is an image sensor to which one color filter is applied per 4 pixels Can be In the tetracell image sensor 320, since four pixels are used to acquire one color information, when using the tetracell image sensor 320, the processor 150 displays a general image in which the size of each pixel corresponds to four pixels An image of the same or similar quality as the sensor can be obtained. Since the image sensor has a characteristic that the amount of light received from the outside increases as the pixel size increases, the tetracell image sensor 320 may have better image quality at low light than the general image sensor 310 having at least the same pixel size.

Referring to FIG. 4, in operation 410, while the processor 150 acquires an image using the first camera 110, the external illumination corresponds to a second illumination range (corresponding to the 'first time' described above) Can be checked). The second illuminance range may include, for example, an illuminance range below a critical illuminance. The critical illuminance is a roughness that is a reference for low illuminance, and may be, for example, about 50 lux. For example, if the external illuminance falls within the second illuminance range while acquiring an image using the first camera 110, the processor 150 drives the timer to time the external illuminance falls into the second illuminance range Can measure

In operation 420, the processor 150 may activate the second camera 120 based at least on the determination that the identified time satisfies the first specified time. For example, when the identified time exceeds the first threshold time, the processor 150 may activate the second camera 120.

In operation 430, the processor 150 may deactivate the second camera 120 if the identified time after activating the second camera 120 satisfies the second designated time. The time identified after activating the second camera 120 is an accumulated time from before activating the second camera 120 and may exceed at least the first threshold time. The processor 150 may initialize the timer after deactivating the second camera 120.

In operation 440, if the time determined after activating the second camera 120 satisfies the second designated time, the processor 150 acquires an image using the second camera 120 and first camera 110 ) Can be disabled. The processor 150 may initialize the timer after deactivating the first camera 110.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 505, the processor 150 (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2) acquires an image using the first camera 110 (eg, the first camera 110 of FIG. 1). While, it is possible to check the illuminance outside the electronic device 100 using the first camera 110. The processor 150 outputs the image obtained using the first camera 110 to the display 130, or It can be stored in the memory 140.

In operation 510, the processor 150 may check whether the external illuminance identified while acquiring an image using the first camera 110 is less than or equal to a critical illuminance (eg, about 50 lux).

In operation 515, if the external illuminance identified while acquiring an image using the first camera 110 is less than or equal to the critical illuminance, in operation 515, the timer 150 measures a time when the external illuminance lasts below the critical illuminance. can do.

In operation 520, the processor 150 may determine whether the time that the external illuminance lasts below the threshold illuminance exceeds the first threshold time using a timer while acquiring an image using the first camera 110.

In operation 525, the processor 150 may acquire the image using the first camera 110, and if the time during which the external illuminance persists below the threshold illuminance exceeds the first threshold time, the second camera 120 (eg, : The second camera 10 of FIG. 1 may be activated.

In operation 530, the processor 150 may determine whether a time during which the external illuminance lasts below the threshold illuminance exceeds the second threshold time while acquiring an image using the first camera 110.

In operation 535, the processor 150 uses the second camera 120 if the time during which the external illuminance continues to be below the critical illuminance while acquiring an image using the first camera 110 exceeds the second threshold time To obtain an image and deactivate the first camera 110. In operation 535, the processor 150 may stop driving the timer and initialize the timer.

In operation 540, when the external illumination measured using the timer while acquiring an image using the first camera 110 is less than or equal to the critical illuminance while the image is acquired using the first camera 110, the processor 150 may externally illuminate It is possible to monitor whether or not the critical illuminance is below.

In operation 540, if the external illuminance is maintained below the critical illuminance, the processor 150 may perform operation 520.

In operation 540, if the external illuminance exceeds the threshold illuminance, the processor 150 may stop driving the timer and initialize the timer in operation 545.

In operation 530, in a situation in which the time during which the external illuminance remains below the critical illuminance exceeds the first threshold time but is less than the second threshold time, the processor 150 monitors whether the external illuminance is below the critical illuminance in operation 555. You can.

In operation 555, when it is determined that the external illuminance exceeds the threshold illuminance, the processor 150 may deactivate the second camera 120. In operation 555, the processor 150 may stop driving the timer and initialize the timer.

Hereinafter, a method of switching between a first camera and a second camera according to an external illumination change according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

6 is converted from the first camera (eg, the first camera 110 of FIG. 2) to the second camera (eg, the second camera 120 of FIG. 2) according to an embodiment, and then back to the first camera This is an example of conversion.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the processor 150 (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2) enters the preview mode according to a user input, the first camera 110 is activated and the first camera 110 is used. While acquiring an image (eg, a preview image or a captured image), the external illuminance may be detected using the first camera 110. When entering the preview mode, the processor 150 does not deactivate the second camera 120, so the second camera 120 may be in a deactivated state.

The processor 150 measures a time when the external illuminance belongs to the first illuminance range when the range to which the external illuminance belongs varies from the first illuminance range to the second illuminance range while acquiring an image using the first camera 110. can do. The processor 150 activates the second camera 120 when the time when the external illuminance falls within the second illuminance range exceeds the first threshold time T ₁ while acquiring an image using the first camera 110. (ON). The processor 150 uses the second camera 120 when the time when the external illuminance belongs to the second illuminance range exceeds the second threshold time T ₂ while acquiring the image using the first camera 110. To obtain an image and deactivate (OFF) the first camera 110.

The processor 150 may detect external illuminance using the second camera 120 while acquiring an image using the second camera 120. While acquiring an image using the second camera 120, the processor 150 may confirm that the range to which the external illuminance belongs changes from the second illuminance range to the first illuminance range. The processor 150 may measure a time belonging to the first illuminance range when the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range while acquiring an image using the second camera 120. The processor 150 activates the first camera 110 when the time when the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range exceeds the third threshold time T ₃ while acquiring an image using the second camera 120. can do. The processor 150 uses the first camera 110 when the time when the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range exceeds the fourth threshold time T ₄ while acquiring an image using the second camera 120. To obtain an image and deactivate (OFF) the second camera 120.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the processor 150 (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2) enters the preview mode according to a user input, the first camera 110 is activated and the first camera 110 is used While acquiring an image (eg, a preview image or a captured image), the external illuminance may be detected using the first camera 110. When entering the preview mode, the processor 150 does not deactivate the second camera 120, so the second camera 120 may be in a deactivated state.

While acquiring an image using the first camera 110, the processor 150 may measure a time when the external illuminance belongs to the first illuminance range while determining that the external illuminance range is the second illuminance range. The processor 150 activates the second camera 120 when the time when the external illuminance falls within the second illuminance range exceeds the first threshold time T ₁ while acquiring an image using the first camera 110. (ON). The processor 150 uses the second camera 120 when the time when the external illuminance belongs to the second illuminance range exceeds the second threshold time T ₂ while acquiring the image using the first camera 110. To obtain an image and deactivate (OFF) the first camera 110.

Referring to FIG. 8, while the processor 150 (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2) acquires an image using the first camera 110, a range in which the external illuminance belongs belongs to the second illuminance in the first illuminance range It can be seen that the range changes. When the range to which the external illuminance belongs changes from the first illuminance range to the second illuminance range, the processor 150 may measure the time that the external illuminance belongs to the second illuminance range. The processor 150 activates the second camera 120 when the time when the external illuminance falls within the second illuminance range exceeds the first threshold time T ₁ while acquiring an image using the first camera 110. can do. While the processor 150 acquires an image using the first camera 110, a time when the external illuminance falls within the second illuminance range is greater than the first threshold time T ₁ and less than or equal to the second threshold time T ₂ From it can be seen that the external illuminance changes to the first illuminance range. In this case, the processor 150 may deactivate the second camera 120 again and acquire an image using the first camera 110.

Referring to FIG. 9, the processor 150 (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2) has a range in which the external illuminance belongs to the first illuminance in the second illuminance range while acquiring an image using the second camera 120. It can be seen that the range changes. When the range to which the external illuminance belongs changes from the second illuminance range to the first illuminance range, the processor 150 may measure the time that the external illuminance belongs to the first illuminance range. The processor 150 activates the first camera 110 when the time when the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range exceeds the third threshold time T ₃ while acquiring an image using the second camera 120. can do. While the processor 150 acquires an image using the second camera 120, a time when the external illuminance falls within the first illuminance range is greater than or equal to the third threshold time T ₃ and less than or equal to the fourth threshold time T ₄ It can be seen that the external illuminance changes back to the second illuminance range. In this case, the processor 150 may deactivate the first camera 110 again and acquire an image using the second camera 120.

10 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1001 (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 2) in a network environment 1000 according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10, in the network environment 1000, the electronic device 1001 communicates with the electronic device 1002 through a first network 1098 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network), or a second network 1099. An electronic device 1004 or a server 1008 may be communicated through (eg, a remote wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1001 may communicate with the electronic device 1004 through the server 1008. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 1001 includes a processor 1020 (eg, the processor 150 of FIG. 2), a memory 1030 (eg, the memory 140 of FIG. 2), an input device 1050, Audio output device 1055, display device 1060 (e.g., display 130 in FIG. 2), audio module 1070, sensor module 1076, interface 1077, haptic module 1079, camera module ( 1080) (e.g., first camera 110 and second camera 120 in FIG. 2), power management module 1088, battery 1089, communication module 1090, subscriber identification module 1096, or antenna It may include a module 1097. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (for example, the display device 1060 or the camera module 1080) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 1001. In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as one integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 1076 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented while embedded in the display device 1060 (eg, a display).

The processor 1020, for example, executes software (eg, the program 1040) to execute at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of the electronic device 1001 connected to the processor 1020. It can be controlled and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 1020 may receive instructions or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 1076 or the communication module 1090) in the volatile memory 1032. Loaded into, process instructions or data stored in volatile memory 1032, and store result data in nonvolatile memory 1034. According to one embodiment, the processor 1020 includes a main processor 1021 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor), and an auxiliary processor 1023 (eg, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor) that can be operated independently or together. , Sensor hub processor, or communication processor). Additionally or alternatively, the coprocessor 1023 may be configured to use less power than the main processor 1021, or to be specialized for a specified function. The coprocessor 1023 may be implemented separately from, or as part of, the main processor 1021.

The coprocessor 1023 may, for example, replace the main processor 1021 while the main processor 1021 is in an inactive (eg sleep) state, or the main processor 1021 is active (eg, executing an application) ) With the main processor 1021 while in the state, at least one of the components of the electronic device 1001 (for example, a display device 1060, a sensor module 1076, or a communication module 1090) It can control at least some of the functions or states associated with. According to one embodiment, the coprocessor 1023 (eg, image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of other functionally relevant components (eg, camera module 1080 or communication module 1090). have.

The memory 1030 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 1001 (for example, the processor 1020 or the sensor module 1076). The data may include, for example, software (eg, the program 1040) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 1030 may include a volatile memory 1032 or a nonvolatile memory 1034.

The program 1040 may be stored as software in the memory 1030, and may include, for example, an operating system 1042, middleware 1044, or an application 1046.

The input device 1050 may receive commands or data to be used for components (eg, the processor 1020) of the electronic device 1001 from outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 1001. The input device 1050 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, or digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

The sound output device 1055 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 1001. The audio output device 1055 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from, or as part of, a speaker.

The display device 1060 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 1001 (for example, a user). The display device 1060 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to an embodiment, the display device 1060 may include a touch circuitry configured to sense a touch, or a sensor circuit configured to measure the strength of the force generated by the touch (eg, a pressure sensor). have.

The audio module 1070 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 1070 acquires sound through the input device 1050, or an external electronic device (eg, directly or wirelessly connected to the sound output device 1055) or the electronic device 1001 The electronic device 1002) (eg, speaker or headphone) may output sound.

The sensor module 1076 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 1001, or an external environmental state (eg, a user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 1076 includes, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biological sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 1077 may support one or more designated protocols that can be used for the electronic device 1001 to be directly or wirelessly connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 1002). According to an embodiment, the interface 1077 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal 1078 may include a connector through which the electronic device 1001 is physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 1002). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 1078 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 1079 may convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (eg, vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that the user can perceive through tactile or motor sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 1079 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 1080 may capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module 1080 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 1088 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 1001. According to one embodiment, the power management module 388 may be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 1089 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 1001. According to one embodiment, the battery 1089 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 1090 is a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 1001 and an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 1002, the electronic device 1004, or the server 1008). It can support establishing and performing communication through the established communication channel. The communication module 1090 operates independently of the processor 1020 (eg, an application processor), and may include one or more communication processors supporting direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 1090 is a wireless communication module 1092 (eg, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 1094 (eg : Local area network (LAN) communication module, or power line communication module. The corresponding communication module among these communication modules is a first network 1098 (for example, a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 1099 (for example, a cellular network, the Internet, or It may communicate with external electronic devices through a computer network (eg, a telecommunication network such as a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (eg, a single chip), or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (eg, multiple chips). The wireless communication module 1092 uses a subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 1096 in a communication network such as the first network 1098 or the second network 1099. The electronic device 1001 may be identified and authenticated.

The antenna module 1097 may transmit a signal or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device) or receive it from the outside. According to one embodiment, the antenna module may include a single antenna including a conductor formed on a substrate (eg, a PCB) or a radiator made of a conductive pattern. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 1097 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 1098 or the second network 1099, is transmitted from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 1090. Can be selected. The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 1090 and an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, other components (eg, RFIC) other than the radiator may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 1097.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (for example, a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and a signal ( Ex: command or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 1001 and the external electronic device 1004 through the server 1008 connected to the second network 1099. Each of the

electronic devices

1002 and 1004 may be the same or a different type of device from the electronic device 1001. According to an embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device 1001 may be executed in one or more external devices of the external

electronic devices

1002, 1004, or 1008. For example, when the electronic device 1001 needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 1001 executes the function or service itself. In addition or in addition, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least a portion of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and deliver the result of the execution to the electronic device 1001. The electronic device 1001 may process the result, as it is or additionally, and provide it as at least part of a response to the request. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology This can be used.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

It should be understood that various embodiments of the document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "A Each of the phrases such as "at least one of,, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” can be used to simply distinguish a component from other components, and to separate components from other aspects (eg, importance or Order). Any (eg, first) component is referred to as a "coupled" or "connected" to another (eg, second) component, with or without the term "functionally" or "communicatively" When mentioned, it means that any of the above components can be connected directly to the other components (eg, by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" as used herein may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic blocks, components, or circuits. The module may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit of the component or a part thereof performing one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document may include one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 1036 or external memory 1038) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 1001). It may be implemented as software (eg, program 1040) that includes. For example, a processor (eg, processor 1020) of a device (eg, electronic device 1001) may call and execute at least one of one or more commands stored from a storage medium. This enables the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (eg, electromagnetic wave), and this term is used when data is stored semi-permanently. It does not distinguish between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, a method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as being included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities that can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (eg compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (eg Play Store ^TM ) or two user devices ( It can be distributed (eg, downloaded or uploaded) directly or online between smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored at least temporarily in a storage medium readable by a device such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server, or temporarily generated.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components the same or similar to that performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, or omitted Or, one or more other actions can be added. Accordingly, the scope of this document should be construed to include all changes or various other embodiments based on the technical spirit of this document.

Claims

In the electronic device,

A first camera;

A second camera; And

It includes a processor, the processor,

Acquiring an image using the first camera,

While acquiring an image using the first camera, use the first camera to check the time when the external illuminance of the electronic device falls within a designated illumination range,

Activate the second camera based at least on a determination that the time satisfies the first specified time,

If the time identified after the second camera is activated satisfies the second designated time, deactivate the second camera,

An electronic device configured to acquire an image using the second camera and deactivate the first camera when the time identified after the second camera is activated satisfies a third designated time.
According to claim 1,

In the situation where the external illuminance falls within the specified illuminance range,

An electronic device having an image quality obtained by using the second camera that is superior to an image quality obtained by using the first camera.
According to claim 1,

Further comprising a display, the processor,

An electronic device configured to output the image obtained by the first camera or the second camera to the display.
The method of claim 1, wherein the specified illuminance range,

An electronic device comprising an illuminance range below a specified illuminance or an illuminance range exceeding the specified illuminance.
The method of claim 1, wherein the processor,

While acquiring an image using the first camera, if the time exceeds a first threshold time, the time is set to determine that the first specified time is satisfied

Electronic devices.
The method of claim 5, wherein the processor,

While acquiring an image using the first camera, in a situation where the time is less than or equal to a second threshold time, if the illuminance is outside the specified illuminance range, the time is set to determine that the second specified time is satisfied Become,

The second threshold time,

An electronic device that exceeds the first threshold time and is determined based on optical characteristics of the first camera and the second camera.
The method of claim 5, wherein the processor,

While acquiring an image using the first camera, if the time exceeds a second threshold time, it is set to determine that the time satisfies the third specified time,

The second threshold time,

An electronic device that exceeds the first threshold time and is determined based on optical characteristics of the first camera and optical characteristics of the second camera.
The method of claim 7, wherein the second threshold time,

An electronic device that is set to more than the time it takes to stabilize after the second camera is activated.
The method of claim 7, wherein the second threshold time,

Electronic apparatus in which the difference between the first camera and the second camera of the F number value of the F number value larger set shorter.
The method of claim 1, wherein the processor,

While acquiring an image using the second camera, using the second camera, identify another time when the external illuminance is outside the specified illuminance range,

Activate the first camera based at least on a determination that the other time satisfies a fourth specified time,

If the other time identified after the first camera is activated satisfies the fifth designated time, deactivate the first camera,

An electronic device configured to acquire an image using the first camera and deactivate the second camera when the other time identified after the first camera is activated satisfies a sixth designated time.