{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854155","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854155","title":"Determining camera auto-focus settings","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-06-16T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04M","H04M","H04M","H04M"],"num_claims":17,"abstract":"A system and method of determining a tilt angle of a portable computing device using a sensor indicating gravitational pull on the device; determining the tilt angle of a camera of the device; identifying a tilt angle range from a plurality of predetermined tilt angle ranges; determining a first focal length setting using a first array that associates the tilt angle range with the first focal length setting; determining an adjustment increment using a second array that associates the adjustment increment with the tilt angle range; and determining a second focal length setting of the camera using the adjustment increment according to an autofocus scan range algorithm. A portable computing device including a processor; a camera; and a memory device including instructions operable to be executed by the processor to perform a set of actions, enabling the portable computing device to perform the method."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Determining Camera Auto-focus Settings patent introduces a system and method for dynamically adjusting a camera's focal length based on the device's tilt angle. The core innovation lies in using sensors to detect the tilt angle of a portable computing device and then employing predetermined tilt angle ranges to determine the optimal focal length setting. This solves the problem of blurry or out-of-focus images that often occur when a device is held at an angle. The key technical approach involves using a sensor to measure the device's orientation relative to gravity and then applying an algorithm to adjust the camera's focus accordingly. This technology offers significant business value by improving image quality and enhancing the user experience in mobile photography and other applications. The market opportunity is vast, with potential applications in smartphones, tablets, augmented reality devices, and industrial imaging systems. By automating the focus adjustment process and adapting to various tilt angles, the system provides a seamless user experience with consistently high-quality images.","layman_explanation":"The Determining Camera Auto-focus Settings patent addresses the common problem of blurry images when using mobile devices. Existing solutions often fail to maintain focus when a device is tilted, leading to inconsistent image quality. This patent offers a solution by dynamically adjusting the camera's focal length based on the device's tilt angle. \n\nThe technology uses sensors to detect the device's orientation and then employs predetermined tilt angle ranges to determine the optimal focal length setting. This automated adjustment process ensures that images remain sharp and clear, regardless of the device's orientation. Think of it like automatic image stabilization, but instead of correcting for movement, it corrects for tilt. It's similar to how your eyes automatically adjust focus when you look at objects at different distances, but this system does it for your phone's camera.\n\nThis matters because it significantly improves the user experience and image quality in mobile photography. The potential market impact is substantial, as it can be integrated into smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. The competitive advantage lies in its ability to automate the focus adjustment process and adapt to various tilt angles, providing consistently high-quality images. This technology has the potential to generate significant ROI by enhancing product differentiation and increasing customer satisfaction.\n\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with augmented reality and industrial imaging systems. Market adoption is expected to increase as mobile device manufacturers seek to enhance their camera capabilities. The investment implications are favorable, as this technology offers a valuable solution to a common problem in mobile photography.","technical_analysis":"The Determining Camera Auto-focus Settings patent details a system designed to dynamically adjust a camera's focal length based on the device's tilt. The technical architecture includes a gravitational pull sensor, a processor, and the camera module itself. The gravitational pull sensor provides data to the processor, which calculates the device's tilt angle. This angle is then used to identify a corresponding tilt angle range from a predefined set of ranges. The system uses two arrays: one that associates the tilt angle range with a first focal length setting, and another that associates the tilt angle range with an adjustment increment. The processor then determines a second, refined focal length setting using an autofocus scan range algorithm and the adjustment increment.\n\nImplementation involves integrating the gravitational pull sensor with the device's existing hardware. The algorithm must be optimized for real-time performance to ensure that focus adjustments are made quickly and seamlessly. The patent specifies the use of predetermined tilt angle ranges, which suggests that the system's performance is dependent on the accuracy and granularity of these ranges. Integration with existing autofocus systems is crucial, as this technology is intended to enhance, not replace, existing capabilities. Performance characteristics will depend on the sensitivity of the gravitational pull sensor, the processing power of the device, and the speed of the camera module's focal length adjustment mechanism. Code-level implications include the need for efficient algorithms and data structures to minimize processing overhead and ensure real-time performance.","business_analysis":"The Determining Camera Auto-focus Settings patent presents a significant market opportunity in the mobile device and imaging industries. The ability to automatically adjust a camera's focus based on the device's tilt angle offers a competitive advantage by improving image quality and enhancing the user experience. The market opportunity size is substantial, with potential applications in smartphones, tablets, augmented reality devices, and industrial imaging systems. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to automate the focus adjustment process, adapt to various tilt angles, and provide consistently high-quality images. The revenue potential is significant, with opportunities to license the technology to mobile device manufacturers and integrate it into camera modules.\n\nPotential business models include licensing the patent to mobile device manufacturers, integrating the technology into camera modules, and offering it as a software solution for existing devices. Strategic positioning involves targeting the high-end mobile device market, where image quality is a key differentiator. ROI projections are favorable, with the potential for significant returns on investment due to the large market size and the competitive advantages of the technology. The Determining Camera Auto-focus Settings technology has the potential to disrupt the mobile imaging market by setting a new standard for image quality and user experience.","faqs":null,"topics":["mobile photography autofocus","camera tilt adjustment","image stabilization","mobile camera technology","patent","determining","camera","focus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Determining Camera Auto-focus Settings - Patent US-9854155","description":"Discover how this patent dynamically adjusts camera focus based on device tilt for clearer mobile photos. Full analysis, claims, and tech details.","keywords":["mobile photography autofocus","camera tilt adjustment","image stabilization","mobile camera technology","patent","patent US-9854155","auto-focus algorithm","portable device camera","camera angle detection","mobile imaging"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854155","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854155","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Determining camera auto-focus settings\" (US-9854155). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854155","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854155","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854155","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T06:12:45.784Z"}