What is phase detection autofocus in a smartphone camera? Review of the LG G3 camera with laser focus.
The newest flagship South Korean company LG G3 has acquired a huge amount interesting features. In addition to the incredible 2560x1440 pixel display, 3 GB random access memory and a wonderful 13-megapixel camera, inside the body of the new product there was room for another innovation. We are talking about laser autofocus, thanks to which it is possible to focus on the desired object in a record 276 milliseconds. How was it possible to achieve such a result, and, most importantly, what are the features of this technology? Let's figure it out. First of all, you should delve into the realities. In other words, learn about the most common type of autofocus, which is found in the vast majority of modern devices.
Contrast autofocus The name of this technology is directly related to the principle of its operation, which consists in constantly reading and analyzing the image from the matrix. The microprocessor is engaged in this difficult task. Its main task is to move the lens in search of the area with the greatest contrast. Finding it is what we used to call “getting into focus.”
The most obvious drawback of contrast autofocus is its slowness. It is possible to draw a conclusion about the highest level of contrast only after analyzing the entire image and returning the lens back, which also takes some time.
Laser The solution to the problem had to be a laser. The latter, by the way, has been used for quite a long time to determine distance. How does it function? The device emits an incredibly thin strip of light that bounces off all sorts of surfaces and comes back. The smartphone calculates the travel time of the laser, multiplies the result by the speed of light and divides by 2. The final number will be the distance to the object, which allows it to focus.
Obviously, the laser has some advantages, namely high calculation accuracy and decent operating speed. But it was not without its drawbacks. The fact is that the tiny dimensions of the beam are the reason for the ineffectiveness of its work on long distances or in open space.
Laser autofocus LG engineers decided to take the best of both technologies, combining them on the back cover of the G3. When the camera is launched, the smartphone emits a beam of light to check if there are any objects nearby. If they are absent, the device begins to use contrast autofocus, skipping a certain distance (our colleagues from androidauthority claim 60 centimeters).
Why is this necessary? Obviously, the biggest advantage is the focusing speed and its higher accuracy at close distances. In addition, the laser will be useful in dark rooms where focusing using the contrast method is almost impossible.
Are you satisfied with how the camera on your smartphone works? Share it a little below.
The innovative laser autofocus system of smartphone cameras is extremely popular. This technology Allows the camera to quickly and accurately focus on objects. To be fair, let’s say that the technology also has its shortcomings. The beam cannot return back over long distances. There are also problems with transparent and reflective objects. Therefore, let us understand some smartphone models with laser autofocus in 2016.
LG G3
The smartphone that was the first to get a laser autofocus system was the LG G3. The model can truly be called real tablet due to its large size. Although the body is plastic, it looks like it is nothing more than metal. The laser rangefinder and dual flash are located on the rear surface of the device.
LG G3 is equipped with an IPS touch matrix. The screen diagonal is 5.5 inches and the resolution is 2560x1440 pixels. Display brightness can be adjusted manually or using automatic adjustment. Using multi-touch technology, the gadget copes with 10 simultaneous touches.
The screen demonstrated excellent viewing angles, and there is no significant color shift at large viewing angles. We also cannot remain silent about good color tone white field and brightness uniformity. Color rendition is natural, color saturation and clarity are present.
High-quality and loud sound is achieved using a powerful speaker connected to an amplifier. The device has two modules digital cameras at 2.1 and 13 megapixels. Front-camera copes well with self-portraits. The rear, 13 megapixel main camera deserves special attention; it has improved optical image stabilization and laser focusing. That is, the model, like professional SLR cameras, uses this technology to determine the distance between the subject and the camera with a laser beam.
The gadget operates on software platform Google Android 4.4.2 KitKat. The hardware platform is based on the system Qualcomm Snapdragon 801. The amount of RAM is 2 GB, and the built-in memory is 16 GB, which can be expanded with a memory card up to 128 GB.
Implemented lithium polymer battery is capable of providing the model with battery life of about two days in medium load mode.
LG G4
The successor to the LG G3 is the G4. The gadget undergoes changes in the camera, design, display and now has more advanced hardware. Back cover Features elegant leather options. As for the materials of manufacture, there is genuine leather, and the body is all plastic. You can only buy six different colors leather trim: red, black, brown, yellow, beige and sky blue.
The model is complemented by an IPS touch matrix without an air gap, and Also protective glass . Applied here new type display - LG IPS Quantum, which produces approximately 20% better color reproduction, more brightness and higher contrast. The screen diagonal is 5.5 inches, while the resolution is 2560x1440 pixels. In the display settings you can use automatic adjustment brightness Plus, the user will receive a pleasant surprise in the form of multi-touch technologies, the device processes 10 simultaneous touches.
The screen will demonstrate excellent viewing angles without any significant color shifts, even with any deviations in gaze. The sound of the model is nothing special; it sounds a little better than its predecessor G3. The speaker is extremely loud and sounds clear and uninterrupted.
The front camera of the device has a good The 8-megapixel module produces fairly good quality pictures. The 16 MP main camera has an improved optical image stabilization system, as well as laser autofocus with lightning-fast response time. Moreover, the advanced camera has a color spectrum sensor, which is designed to improve color accuracy. We can definitely say that the camera shots are the best among smartphones today.
LG G4 is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 platform, which is known for having many advanced and communication capabilities. Hardware platform Google phone Android 5.1 Lollipop. The model received a decent battery, whose capacity is 3000 mAh.
Nexus 5X
The model is made of plastic. The design can be called simple rather than original. The front panel is complemented by tinted flat protective glass. LG Nexus 5X has a touchscreen IPS screen, supplemented In-Cell technology Touch, together with protective glass Gorilla Glass 3. The screen diagonal is 5.2 inches with a resolution of 1920x1080. The light sensor automatically adjusts the display brightness.
Outer surface of the screen has a special oleophobic coating, which protects against fingerprints. The gadget demonstrates a high maximum brightness, which means that, taking into account anti-glare properties, images will be clearly visible even on the sunniest day.
Color saturation is excellent, color rendition is good. As for the sound, its parameters are very modest, while the sound in headphones is much better and more pleasant. During telephone conversation no distortions can be traced.
The gadget has two camera modules of 5 and 12.3 megapixels. The front camera is equipped with a 5-megapixel sensor, without autofocus and flash. The shooting quality of this camera is acceptable, the level is sufficient for selfies. The main camera has a Sony IMX377 sensor and an infrared laser rangefinder for focusing, which has dual multi-color flash, but there is no image stabilization function here.
In this model, the manufacturer has expanded support for the energy saving function. There is also a fingerprint scanner system, which is called Nexus Imprint here. Powerful and quite relevant 6-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 SoC ensures the operation of the device. The phone, having such a powerful platform, demonstrates very high level productivity.
Video playback testing results showed that the device is equipped with all the necessary decoders capable of playing most common multimedia files.
Built-in non-removable battery has 2700 mAh capacity. In general, the smartphone shows good battery life, although in video mode the tested phone lasted only 6 hours, and back panel She was clearly overheating.
Oppo R7 Plus
Oppo is trying to establish itself as a manufacturer of quality products. OPPO R7 is equipped with a huge 6-inch display, it is made according to AMOLED technology,
resolution is 1920x1080 pixels. The model has 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory.
The device contains a 4100 mAh battery. But having such large display And powerful processor, it is not able to hold one charge long enough.
The front camera is unremarkable, 8 megapixels, selfie quality is acceptable. The 13 MP main camera is complemented by image stabilization and laser autofocus.
IN OPPO smartphone R7 installed operating system Android 5.0. The advantage is that the device supports dualSIM format nano SIM. approximate cost model is $490.
Meizu MX 5
One of the most anticipated gadgets is Meizu MX5. It has almost everything that users wanted: thin aluminum body, huge screen with small frames, excellent sound, fingerprint scanner, capacious battery and an advanced camera.
The nice thing is the size of the phone. With a 5.5-inch screen, it is not large at all. The assembly can be considered high quality, but not very neat. The screen resolution is 1080x1920 pixels. The gadget screen uses an OLED matrix.
It is possible to manually adjust the color balance between cold and warm tones, however factory setting The color balance is not satisfactory. The main camera of 20.7 megapixels has aperture and six lenses, there is laser focusing, as well as a dual flash. A 5 MP camera takes high-quality selfies. True, it does not have ultra-wide optics or flash, but this does not affect the result in any way.
IN this smartphone The manufacturer especially paid attention to the quality of music playback. The headphones also sound great, the sound is clear and loud.
Although the phone has two slots for nanoSIM, however, there is only one radio module, which means it is impossible to talk on both numbers at the same time. Inside there is a tightly sealed 3150 mAh battery. The autonomous operation of the device shows the ability to work the device until the evening. In video playback mode, the device also performed well in terms of autonomy.
Asus Zenfone 2 Laser
The front panel of the device is covered with durable Gorilla Glass 4. The back of the phone looks very interesting: in the center there is a large lens of the main camera, next to it is identical ovals of laser autofocus and LED flash.
The screen diagonal is 5 inches and the resolution is 1280x720 pixels. In the manufacture of the display we used TFT technology IPS, There is an oleophobic coating. The picture is very colorful, bright, and the viewing angles are maximum. The sensor is capable of processing up to 10 clicks simultaneously. The phone's response is very fast, the finger glides easily over the surface. The brightness is a little lacking on cloudy days or in the dark.
The smartphone is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm processor MSM8916, whose frequency is 1.2 GHz. The size of RAM is 2 GB, and the internal memory is 16 GB. There is the possibility of expanding memory via memory cards up to 128 GB. The device easily copes with resource-intensive programs, loading them easily.
The user will note a 13-megapixel camera with laser autofocus as a pleasant bonus. The camera work is of very high quality, the pictures are bright and natural, and there are many modes and settings. Autofocus works instantly. The front camera, of course, is inferior in image quality, but it’s quite enough for selfies. The 2400 mAh battery copes with autonomous operation for two days.
We live in an age of speed and high technology when everyone is in a hurry and wants to have everything at hand. Today we will talk about smartphone cameras that are capable of capturing the desired frame in right moment. And, since we all want sharp photos, there are a few things you need to know about your camera's hardware. Over the past few years, many mobile device manufacturers have been trying to improve autofocus technology, and it deserves our close attention. Let's look at what types of automatic focusing exist, as well as what advantages and disadvantages each of them has.
If we briefly discuss what the main difference between focus and autofocus is, then everything is simple. IN in this case T we're talking about about when the lens of an objective is focused on a certain object, through the refraction of rays, due to which the light is collected at one point. When everything matches, the matrix sensor is in the right point, the frame is detailed and of high quality. When a photographer focuses on the main subject by manually adjusting the lens, the photo emphasizes the foreground or background while the rest is blurred. This is the process of focusing. Today this process is much easier, since automation can do everything for us. Autofocus lets you capture sharp, detailed photos with just a point and click. And, since almost everything modern smartphones are equipped with cameras with automatic focusing, it is worth considering what types it comes in.
Phase detection autofocus
This technology is based on splitting the light beam that passes through the lens into two streams, after which the light hits the photosensitive sensor. In this case, the distance between the flows that pass through the opposite edges of the lens is measured. The aiming is considered final if the separated beams reach a certain distance specified by the sensors. The device itself can essentially determine how to change the position of the lenses in order to get the picture of the required quality. The undeniable advantage of phase detection autofocus is the speed and accuracy of focusing. This feature is very important when shooting a moving scene. It is also worth noting that this technology works faster than contrast autofocus, which you will read about below.
However, phase-detection autofocus has some disadvantages, one of which can be considered the complexity of implementation. In order for this technology to work, ultra-precise physical alignment is required, as well as meticulous digital tuning. For a good implementation of phase autofocus, good hardware is required, which not all smartphones have. In addition, the accuracy of phase detection autofocus directly depends on the lens aperture, so in low light conditions this technology will not produce the desired result.
Contrast autofocus
The operation of this technology is based on the use of special photosensitive elements that evaluate the contrast of the frame. Focusing in this case is considered accurate when the picture acquires maximum accuracy and contrast compared to the background. This solution is used in the vast majority of smartphones mainly due to the comparative simplicity in the implementation of the technology. Special sensor measures the amount of light on the lens, after which the same sensor must move the lens until maximum contrast is achieved. When maximum contrast is achieved, the subject being photographed is in focus. Let us once again note the ease of use of this technology, which does not require complex hardware.
Now let's add a fly in the ointment by noting some of the shortcomings that are inherent in contrast autofocus technology. Let’s say right away that this solution works somewhat slower than other technologies. Contrast autofocus thinks somewhere within a second, during which it focuses on the subject being photographed. If you are a slow person and are not in a hurry, then, in principle, the time spent on focusing will not strain or irritate you. Especially if the subject being photographed is also in no hurry, a snail, for example. But, if you move at super speed, like the superhero Flash, then a second will stretch for an eternity for you. If you wanted to capture a hummingbird with its super metabolism, then it might just fly away during this time. The speed in this technology suffers mainly due to the fact that contrast evaluation occurs in several stages, which takes some time. In addition, contrast autofocus is deprived of such a feature as tracking focusing; in twilight or in poor lighting, the quality of photographs is unlikely to satisfy anyone. Note that contrast autofocus technology is usually used in budget-level smartphones.
Laser autofocus
This technology works by applying the principle of a laser rangefinder, when the function of the laser emitter is to illuminate the object being photographed, while the sensor measures the distance to the object and records the time during which the reflected laser beam arrives. The killer feature of this technology can be considered the time spent on focusing. In particular, laser autofocus can cope with this task in 0.276 seconds. Of course, you already realized that phase and contrast autofocus are “smoking nervously on the sidelines.”
Laser autofocus is lightning fast and performs well in low light conditions. However, when working with this solution, one detail should be taken into account - the most good result can be achieved only when the distance to the object being photographed is within 0.6 meters. And, if the distance to the object exceeds 5 meters, then laser autofocus is powerless in this case. In this case, you only benefit from contrast autofocus.
If we debrief, we note that when choosing a smartphone in general, as well as its photo capabilities in particular, everyone is guided by their own considerations and preferences. The budget that is expected to be spent plays an important role in the choice. Moreover, if you are a fan of high-quality photographs, then the camera in your smartphone will not satisfy you in any case, in which case you just need to buy a DSLR.
CNC laser machines can be found in any more or less large production. This is explained by the large number of advantages of laser technology over any other methods of cutting materials. High precision equipment with high speed can cut almost any raw material, providing a smooth, chip-free edge that does not require additional processing. The thickness of the cut is very small, so the workpieces on the sheet can be placed almost close to each other, saving material and making production waste-free. Another advantage of machines of this type is non-contact cutting and complete absence thermal or other effects on the surface.
How does a CNC laser machine work?
The cutting element of the machine is a laser beam. Through a system of reflective mirrors, it reaches a focusing lens housed in a movable head that moves above the workbench. The lens directs the beam onto the surface of the material, forming a spot on the workpiece the right size. The beam diameter remains stable, since the thickness of the lens and focal length remain unchanged, provided that the surface of the material is perfectly flat.
Why is autofocus needed?
Correctly selected focal length is the key to high-quality cutting of material. When working with materials of different thicknesses, the interval between the lens and the surface has to be measured and adjusted manually each time. To do this, wooden or metal sheets are placed under the working material. Otherwise, the laser spot will be blurred, which will inevitably lead to defects during cutting. To automatically adjust the lens to different table heights, a removable autofocus sensor is installed on the laser head.
In the first two images, the laser beam is focused outside the working surface. In the third figure, the best distance between the lens and the table is selected.
How autofocus works in laser machines
The autofocus sensor is a sensor or electronic probe that measures the distance to the working surface. The table plane rises along the Z axis until the sensor determines the optimal distance to the focusing lens. The established coordinates are entered into the memory of the equipment control unit. Subsequently, for each material with a specific thickness, the corresponding focusing parameter is selected, and the desktop is automatically adjusted in height.
Types of autofocus sensors
Depending on the technology for determining the focal length, autofocus can be:
electronic-mechanical- is a retractable stop that is attached to the cutting head. The electronic indicator displays the interval between the lens and the table.
The removable electronic autofocus sensor can be removed from the cutting head immediately after measuring the focal length
light- in this case, the touch sensors are installed not on the head, but in the side panels of the case. The material is laid out on the working field, after which the table lifting process is started. The focusing point is determined when the surface of the light sensor material is reached.
Light barrier sensors in CNC laser cutting equipment
ultrasonic- the sonar is built right into the head. For autofocus, the lens parameters are specified to the program, after which the sensor scans the distance to the surface and calculates to what level the working plane needs to be raised.
Ultrasonic autofocus is the most advanced technology on setting the focal length in laser machines
The presence of an autofocus system on a laser machine allows you to skip the stage of manually adjusting the table level to the focal plane, which significantly speeds up the work process and eliminates operator error when choosing best parameter focusing.
Introducing the Audio dac sq5 digital-to-analog converter with a digital display and a luxurious set of audio inputs and outputs. This digital-to-analog converter gives a very correct and high quality sound. Excellent performance in a metal housing with digital display and simple controls provides the opportunity to enjoy high-quality sound. You will be satisfied with the performance of this digital-to-analog converter and fully enjoy the correct and high-quality sound of your equipment.
18 years of audio professional, distributor of many Chinese famous audio brands, bring you 100% Confucius original product.
Uses the famous chip: pcm1794a, AK4113 reception, vt1729usb, frequency range 44.1K-192K, I/V conversion uses lme49720na, lpf approves OPA2604, easy to configure, rich sound. Use latest version wide OLED display, reflecting premium style in a small space.
Package details: DAC machine + USB cable+ power adapter
BB-top decoder chip using AK4113 reception, vt1729usb receiver chip, supports 44.1K-192K frequency, I/v conversion using lme49720na, lpf Classic OPA2604, well-tuned, balanced sound, wonderful, rich feeling of music. Very economical! Using the latest State-wide OLED display, reflecting premium style in a small volume.
Performance Options
Input: optical, coaxial, USB
Output: 2-Channel Stereo (4V RMS)
Sampling rate: 16bit-24bit 44.1K-192KHz (optical, coaxial), 16bit/44.1K-192K, 24bit/44.1 K-96 K (USB)
Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
Dynamic range: 110DB
Harmonic distortion: less than 0.004% (20Hz-20kHz)
Audio SNR: 110DB
Channel isolation: more than 99dB
Dimensions: 147 x 97 x 32 mm
Machine weight: 0.4 kg
Process appearance: drawing board
Supply voltage: DC12V 1A
Power: 2W
Let's look at the digital digital converter to analog converters from fx-audio sq5 in more detail. There is only 1 button on the front panel - this is the on and off button and the power indicator, it lights up when the device is in power-on mode, there is also a digital indicator behind dark glass, on which information about the operating mode is displayed, the bitrate of the signal that is fed to the input of this device. Well, that’s all, there’s nothing else interesting on the front panel.
The back panel of this device is full of various inputs and outputs - the left connector is USB input, you can connect an interface from a computer there, an optical input, behind it on the right there is a digital coaxial input, two audio outputs (analog), from where the signal is sent further to the amplification path and the power source is connected to the rightmost socket, it is 12 volts, that’s all.
The body of the device is made of metal and painted black. There are two options for the front panel: aluminum without painting and aluminum with black painting.
The power supply is a regular adapter, options with a European connector for an American plug, it’s easier there when ordering, look carefully. Choose the one you need. Printed circuit board The device is made of very high quality. Everything is done neatly, everything is soldered, nothing is loose and stays in place. The sq 5 D/A converter uses high quality radio electronic elements- this indicates detailed photos in the product description.
In addition, I would like to say that this device sells for a very high price affordable price unlike their classmates. The sound it gives is more than worthy. Similar devices cost at least twice as much as other manufacturers, so we recommend paying attention to this digital-to-analog converter from Chinese engineers.
Audio tests showed high-quality sound throughout the entire range with a slight predominance in the midrange. High frequencies seems to be in the right place. If we compare it with Dune Prime 3.0 (the signal was supplied from it via a coaxial connector), then in Dune it seemed to us that the low-frequency components were a little larger, but in terms of the detail of the sound of all frequencies, this particular digital-to-analog converter sounded better and more believable. Of course, everything is learned by comparison; many factors depend on what kind of amplifier you have, what kind of signal source you have, and what kind of ears you have. Therefore, buy, try, compare, you will not be disappointed.
2019 FX-AUDIO DAC-SQ5 Mini System USB DAC Decoding Audio Amplifier Decoder PCM1794 AK4113 SA9027 24BIT 192KHz AMP
Peculiarities:
Reasonable circuit design and perfect circuit.
Adopts advanced processor (PCM1794A) - High quality sound. Excellent bass dynamics.
WIMA film capacitor for low tangential loss and high precision.
ERO capacitors are used to balance the sound.
Low distortion (<0.004%) и низкий уровень шума и высокое соотношение сигнал/шум (110 дБ)
The decoder can be connected to an amplifier, active speakers, amplifier (please note that it cannot directly connect to a headset)
This machine does not support DSD, DTS. Please use coaxial line, do not use 3.5 or lotus line.
See reviews from happy customers (machine translation possible) and join them:
The DAC arrived quickly and well packaged. Looks and works great. I recommend this product and seller!
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Surprisingly, the korobasik sounds pleasant. The bottom is not loose, the bass control is clear, the top sticks out a little, but it is very detailed, realistic. I compared it with some Swedish one for 22 thousand, the Swede is colorless, but more expensive. Came very quickly.
These products are made technically competently and of high quality, which is why they were included in our review; we recommend them for purchase!
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