We all know that there are two important components in the digital
photography world: sensor and lens. But
quite often people forget the other important component, namely the processor.
All digital cameras come with their own processors, similarly with smartphones,
where the processors even work more than just to process the images.
Various technology and camera features that exist in the
current smartphones can't be achieved without the help of the processors; call
it the Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and autofocus laser system. In order to
make these two features could work well; it takes the role of a powerful
processor.
Qualcomm as one of the largest mobile processors
manufacturers in the world recently explains how their Snapdragon processor
line can realize the advanced camera features as above. Snapdragon 810, for
example, the processor is equipped with the calculation ability for PDAF
feature.
It is explained that the PDAF is utilizing a pair of pixels
that functions like the human's left and right eyes. Both of these pixels see
objects differently, and Snapdragon processor calculates the difference to
instruct where the lens must move so the focus can be locked quickly and
accurately.
As with the autofocus laser system, for information, this
system plays a role when users want to take pictures in dark conditions. The
infrared sensor on smartphone will emit a laser beam to any object in front of
it, before finally the laser bounces back.
At this point, the processor such as Snapdragon 615 will
make calculation related to how far the laser beam 'goes' and 'returns', which
leads to the determination of distance between the smartphone camera and
object. When the distance has been determined, then the object will look
focused and ready to be snapped.
Interestingly, Qualcomm claims that their Snapdragon
processors, particularly Snapdragon 810, can accommodate both above autofocus
systems simultaneously. When taking pictures outside and the sun is shining
brightly, the PDAF system will be used, and conversely, when taking pictures at
night, the autofocus laser system will be activated.
Qualcomm specifically mentions that the autofocus laser
system of Lenovo VIBE Shot and the PDAF system of Oppo R7 are utilizing
Snapdragon 615 in making accurate calculations.