Patent Publication Number: US-9848125-B2

Title: Device with a front facing camera having discrete focus positions

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/625,737, filed on Feb. 19, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The specification relates generally to mobile devices with front facing cameras, and specifically to a device with a front facing camera having two discrete focus positions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Front facing cameras (FFC) in mobile handsets and/or mobile devices are generally fixed focus cameras which are not able to cover an entire range of object distances. FFCs have often been used for video chatting; however they are increasingly being used for self-portraits and/or landscapes as well. In these cases, fixed focus cameras are not able to achieve a good focus quality both faces and objects at the same time due to a limited DOF (Depth Of Field). Given the relatively tiny size of FFC modules, a pixel size of image sensors of FFC tending towards getting smaller, hence larger apertures (and/or smaller F-numbers) are required for better low light performances. However, a small F-number on optics makes DOF shorter. In other words, cameras with a small F-number generally requires an auto-focus feature which, relative to a fixed focus camera, increases cost, power consumption and process flow complexity at least due to auto-focus mechanisms and calibrations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the various implementations described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a device configured for changing communications of an audio port between an applications processor and an audio processor, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic block diagram of the device of  FIG. 1 , according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method for changing between focus positions in a front facing camera of the device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 4  depicts the device of  FIG. 2  with a user and feature in a field of view of the front facing camera, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a processor of the device of  FIG. 2  changing a depth of field position of the front facing camera to between 20 cm and 1 meter, at least based on the camera device being in a video mode, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 6  depicts video acquired with a DOF between 20 cm and 1 meter in a video mode, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a processor of the device of  FIG. 2  changing a depth of field position of the front facing camera to a hyperfocal distance, at least based on the camera device being in a camera mode, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 8  depicts an image acquired with a DOF at a hyperfocal distance in a camera mode, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 9  depicts selectable options for changing between focus positions of the camera device, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an image acquired with a DOF between 20 cm and 1 meter in a camera mode, according to non-limiting implementations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, this disclosure is directed to a device, and in particular a mobile device, which comprises a front facing camera (FFC) having two discrete focus positions: a first focus position at a hyperfocal distance; and, a second focus position between about 20 cm and about 1 meter, which can correspond to about an arm length of a user. The FFC is controlled to be in first focus position when the FFC is being used in a camera mode to acquire images, for example during acquisition of self-portraits, also colloquially known as “selfies”. The FFC is controlled to be in second focus position when the FFC is being used in a video mode to acquire video, for example during video chatting. Each of the focus positions are discrete positions in that the FFC does not operate in an auto-focus mode, nor is the FFC enabled for auto-focus, nor is the FFC an auto-focus camera device. For example, as the focus positions are discrete, the FFC can be configured to acquire images and/or video only at these two focus positions (though in some implementations the FFC can include a third focus position, for example between the first focus position and the second focus position, or shorter than the second focus position (e.g. in a macro mode)). A processor of the device can control the FFC between positions based on a mode of the FFC. Hence, when the camera device is in a camera mode, the processor automatically controls the camera device to the first focus position so that images and/or selfies at a hyperfocal distance can be acquired; and, when the camera device is in a video mode, the processor automatically controls the camera device to the second focus position so that the FFC shows a user in focus, with a blurred background, for example for video chatting. 
     In this specification, elements may be described as “configured to” perform one or more functions or “configured for” such functions. In general, an element that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function. 
     It is understood that for the purpose of this specification, language of “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “one or more of X, Y and Z” can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, ZZ, and the like). Similar logic can be applied for two or more items in any occurrence of “at least one . . . ” and “one or more . . . ” language. 
     An aspect of the specification provides a device comprising: a chassis comprising a front side and a back side; a display device located on the front side of the chassis; a camera device at least partially located on the front side of the chassis adjacent the display device, the camera device facing in a same direction as the display device, the camera device configured to: acquire video in a video mode; acquire an image in a camera mode, the camera device being in one of the video mode or the camera mode at any given time; and, discretely step between a first focus position and a second focus position, the first focus position comprising a depth of field (“DOF”) at a hyperfocal distance and the second focus position comprising a DOF in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter; and, a processor configured to: when the camera device is in the camera mode, automatically control the camera device to the first focus position; and, when the camera device is in the video mode, automatically control the camera device to the second focus position. 
     The processor can be further configured to control the camera device to be in one of the video mode or the camera mode based on a determined distance between the device and a face in a field of view of the camera device. The device can further comprise a proximity detector configured to determine a distance between the device and the face in a field of view of the camera device. 
     Each of the first focus position and the second focus position can be discrete focus positions of the camera device. 
     The camera device can be configured to step only between the first focus position and the second focus position. 
     There can be no further focus positions of the camera device other than the first focus position and the second focus position. 
     The camera device can be configured to discretely step between the first focus position, the second focus position and a third focus position. 
     The video mode can correspond to a video chat mode and the camera mode can correspond to a selfie mode. 
     The device can further comprise an input device, the processor further configured to: control the camera device to the first focus position or the second focus position based on input data received at the input device. 
     Another aspect of the specification provides a method comprising: at a device comprising: a chassis comprising a front side and a back side; a display device located on the front side of the chassis; a camera device at least partially located on the front side of the chassis adjacent the display device, the camera device facing in a same direction as the display device, the camera device configured to: acquire video in a video mode; acquire an image in a camera mode, the camera device being in one of the video mode or the camera mode at any given time; and, discretely step between a first focus position and a second focus position, the first focus position comprising a depth of field (“DOF”) at a hyperfocal distance and the second focus position comprising a DOF in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter; and, a processor: when the camera device is in the camera mode, automatically controlling, using the camera device, the camera device to the first focus position; and, when the camera device is in the video mode, automatically controlling, using the camera device, the camera device to the second focus position. 
     The method can further comprise controlling the camera device to be in one of the video mode or the camera mode based on a determined distance between the device and a face in a field of view of the camera device. The device can further comprise a proximity detector configured to determine a distance between the device and the face in a field of view of the camera device. 
     Each of the first focus position and the second focus position can be discrete focus positions of the camera device. 
     The camera device can be configured to step only between the first focus position and the second focus position. 
     There can be no further focus positions of the camera device other than the first focus position and the second focus position. 
     The camera device can be configured to discretely step between the first focus position, the second focus position and a third focus position. 
     The video mode can correspond to a video chat mode and the camera mode can correspond to a selfie mode. 
     The device can further comprise an input device, and the method can further comprise: controlling the camera device to the first focus position or the second focus position based on input data received at the input device. 
     Yet another aspect of the specification provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program, wherein execution of the computer program is for: at a device comprising: a chassis comprising a front side and a back side; a display device located on the front side of the chassis; a camera device at least partially located on the front side of the chassis adjacent the display device, the camera device facing in a same direction as the display device the camera device configured to: acquire video in a video mode; acquire an image in a camera mode, the camera device being in one of the video mode or the camera mode at any given time; and, discretely step between a first focus position and a second focus position, the first focus position comprising a depth of field (“DOF”) at a hyperfocal distance and the second focus position comprising a DOF in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter; and, a processor: when the camera device is in the camera mode, automatically controlling, using the camera device, the camera device to the first focus position; and, when the camera device is in the video mode, automatically controlling, using the camera device, the camera device to the second focus position. The computer-readable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer-readable medium. 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  which respectively depict a front perspective view and a schematic diagram of a mobile electronic device  101  (referred to interchangeably hereafter as device  101 ), according to non-limiting implementations. Device  101  comprises: a chassis  109  comprising a front side and a back side (the front side is depicted in  FIG. 1 ); a display device  126  located on the front side of chassis  109 ; a camera device  123  at least partially located on the front side of chassis  109 , adjacent display device  126 , camera device  123  facing in a same direction as display device  126 , camera device  123  configured to: acquire video in a video mode; acquire an image in a camera mode, camera device  123  being in one of the video mode or the camera mode at any given time; and, discretely step between a first focus position and a second focus position, the first focus position comprising a depth of field (“DOF”) at a hyperfocal distance and the second focus position comprising a DOF in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter; and, a processor  120  configured to: when camera device  123  is in the camera mode, automatically control camera device  123  to the first focus position; and, when camera device  123  is in the video mode, automatically control camera device  123  to the second focus position. While only front side is depicted in  FIG. 1 , it is assumed that a back side of chassis  109  is present, and can be configured for being held by human hand. 
     Device  101  can be any type of electronic device that can be used in a self-contained manner to acquire video and images using camera device  123  and/or communicate with one or more communication networks. Device  101  can include, but is not limited to, any suitable combination of electronic devices, communications devices, computing devices, personal computers, laptop computers, portable electronic devices, mobile computing devices, portable computing devices, tablet computing devices, laptop computing devices, desktop phones, telephones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), cellphones, smartphones, e-readers, internet-enabled appliances, mobile camera devices and the like. Other suitable devices are within the scope of present implementations. For example, device  101  need not comprise a mobile communication device, but rather can comprise a device with specialized functions, for example a camera device. 
     It should be emphasized that the shape and structure of device  101  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are purely examples, and contemplate a device that can be used for both wireless voice (e.g. telephony) and wireless data communications (e.g. email, web browsing, text, and the like). However,  FIG. 1  contemplates a device that can be used for any suitable specialized functions, including, but not limited, to one or more of, telephony, computing, camera, appliance, and/or entertainment related functions. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , device  101  comprises at least one input device  128  generally configured to receive input data, and can comprise any suitable combination of input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a keypad, a pointing device (as depicted in  FIG. 1 ), a mouse, a track wheel, a trackball, a touchpad, a touch screen (e.g. integrated with display device  126 ), and the like. Other suitable input devices are within the scope of present implementations. 
     Input from input device  128  is received at processor  120  (which can be implemented as a plurality of processors, including but not limited to one or more central processors (“CPUs”)). Processor  120  can further comprise one or more hardware processors and/or digital signal processors (“DSP”). Processor  120  is configured to communicate with a memory  122  comprising a non-volatile storage unit (e.g. Erasable Electronic Programmable Read Only Memory (“EEPROM”), Flash Memory) and a volatile storage unit (e.g. random access memory (“RAM”)). Programming instructions that implement the functional teachings of device  101  as described herein are typically maintained, persistently, in memory  122  and used by processor  120  which makes appropriate utilization of volatile storage during the execution of such programming instructions. Those skilled in the art will now recognize that memory  122  is an example of computer readable media that can store programming instructions executable on processor  120 . Furthermore, memory  122  is also an example of a memory unit and/or memory module. 
     Memory  122  further stores an application  146  that, when processed by processor  120 , enables processor  120  to: when camera device  123  is in the camera mode, automatically control camera device  123  to the first focus position; and, when camera device  123  is in the video mode, automatically control camera device  123  to the second focus position. 
     Furthermore, memory  122  storing application  146  is an example of a computer program product, comprising a non-transitory computer usable medium having a computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method, for example a method stored in application  146 . 
     Camera device  123  comprises a front facing camera device, in that a front lens  201  and/or aperture of camera device  123  faces in a same direction as display device  126  as depicted in both  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Indeed, in  FIG. 1 , while camera device  123  is only generally indicated, it is apparent that at least an external component and/or an aperture and/or lens  201  of camera device  123  is adjacent display device  126  and facing forward, and/or is located on a front side of chassis  109  and/or is facing in a same direction as display device  126 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , camera device  123  further comprises apparatus  203  which can move discretely between a first focus position and a second focus position, with one of the focus positions depicted in solid lines in  FIG. 2  and the other of the focus positions depicted in stippled lines in  FIG. 2 . Apparatus  203  can comprise one or more of an aperture device, a voice coil motor, and the like configured to control a DOF of camera device  123 ; specifically, when apparatus  203  is in a first focus position, the DOF of camera device  123  comprises a hyperfocal distance and in the second focus position, the DOF of camera device  123  is in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter. In particular non-limiting implementations, a focal length of camera device  123  can be fixed, and the DOF controlled by controlling an aperture device and the like. Furthermore, while  FIG. 2  implies that the two focus positions are located linearly from one another, in other implementations, movement and/or stepping between the two positions can be rotational and/or in any other direction which results in the DOF being changed from between a hyperfocal distance and in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter. 
     In particular, each of the first focus position and the second focus position are discrete focus positions of camera device  123 . Specifically, apparatus  203  steps between the two focus positions without stopping at positions in between. Hence, camera device  123  is not an auto-focus camera with its attendant calibration issues, nor a fixed focus camera with its attendant limited DOF range, but rather a camera device with discrete focus positions (i.e. there are no further focus positions of the camera device other than the first focus position and the second focus position). 
     In particular, the first focus position, with a hyperfocal distance DOF, can be used for self-portraits (i.e. selfies), while the second focus position, with a DOF in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter, can be used for video chatting. 
     At the first focus position, a face of a user in the field of view of camera device  123  will be in focus, as well as features behind the user; hence, any images acquired at the first focus position will be suitable for showing both a user and the background, which is generally a goal in selfies. In other words, the hyperfocal distance is a distance beyond which all objects can be brought into an “acceptable” focus. In particular, the hyperfocal distance can be the closest distance at which a lens can be focused while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp; a lens is focused at this distance (e.g. lens  201 ), all objects at distances from half of the hyperfocal distance out to infinity will be acceptably sharp. Put another way, the hyperfocal distance is the distance beyond which all objects are acceptably sharp, for a lens focused at infinity. Hence, the hyperfocal distance at the first focus position can comprise a DOF in which objects at infinity are generally in focus (e.g. meet a threshold focus condition); for example, at the hyerpfocal distance, the DOF of camera device  123  can be at infinity and/or set to a predetermined DOF in which objects located at infinity are sharp, which can be determined using thresholds. For example, the hyperfocal distance can be entirely dependent upon what level of sharpness is considered to be “acceptable”. In some implementations, criterion for the desired acceptable sharpness can be specified through a circle of confusion (CoC) diameter limit defined as a largest acceptable spot size diameter that an infinitesimal point is allowed to spread out to on the imaging medium (film, digital sensor, etc.). 
     At the second focus position, a face of a user in the field of view of camera device  123  will be in focus, but features behind the user will not be in focus; hence, any video acquired at the second focus position will be suitable for showing a user, but the background will not be in focus, which is generally a goal in video chatting. As it is assumed that a user will be holding device  101  away from his/her face using his arm, the DOF of the second focus position is selected to be within an arm length, i.e. between about 20 cm and about 1 meter. In the lower end of the selected range, it is assumed that users will bend their arms when looking into camera device  123 . 
     Put another way, the video mode of camera device  123  can correspond to a video chat mode and the camera mode of camera device  123  can correspond to a selfie mode. 
     Indeed, in some implementations, camera device  123  is configured to step only between the first focus position and the second focus position, without stopping at positions in-between. Indeed, in these implementations, camera device  123  cannot stop at positions between the first focus position and the second focus position as the first focus position and the second focus position are discrete positions and not continuous positions, as would be used in an auto-focus camera device. 
     In other words, apparatus  203  of camera device  123  is configured to step to predetermined discrete physical positions (corresponding to the two focus positions) without stopping in between. Hence, camera device  123  is configured to acquire images and/or video using two sets of discrete optical conditions: a first set of optical conditions defined by the first focus position and a second set of optical conditions defined by the second focus position. Indeed, while configuring and/or manufacturing camera device  123  in such a manner is more expensive than manufacturing a fixed focus camera device, it is less expensive than manufacturing an auto-focus camera device. 
     However, in yet further implementations, camera device  123  can be configured to discretely step between the first focus position, the second focus position and a third focus position, for example between the first focus position and the second focus position (e.g. between 1 meter and the hyperfocal distance), less than the second focus position (i.e. having a DOF of less than about 20 cm). Hence, in these implementations, camera device  123  can acquire images and/or video at three discrete DOFs. 
     Furthermore, camera device  123  is configured to: acquire video in a video mode; and acquire an image in a camera mode, camera device  123  being in one of the video mode or the camera mode at any given time. While video can be acquired in the camera mode, such video is not stored but is rendered at display device  126  in near real-time to assist a user with positioning their face in a frame in order to acquire (i.e. store) an image in memory  122 . For example, while not depicted, camera device  123  generally comprises a sensor, including but not limited to CCD (charge-coupled device), which can acquire (i.e. store in memory  122 ) one image at a time in a camera mode (though the sensor in the camera mode can also acquire images in bursts), or a video stream in a video mode. 
     In general, camera device  123  operates either in the camera mode or in the video mode, for example under control of processor  120  and/or when input data is received at input device  128  to control a mode of camera device  123 . For example, while not depicted, processor  120  can control display device  126  to render selectable options (e.g. in a graphic user interface (GUI), a pull-down menu), for selecting whether to use camera device  123  in a camera mode or a video mode; in other words, a user can select whether to use camera device  123  in camera mode or a video mode by selecting a corresponding selectable option from the GUI. 
     Alternatively, and as depicted, device  101  can comprise a proximity detector  205  configured to determine a distance between device  101  and a face in a field of view of camera device  123 . Proximity detector  205  can include, but is not limited to, a time-of-flight detector. In these implementations, processor  120  can process images and/or video acquired using camera device  123 , determine whether the images and/or video includes a face (e.g. using a face detection algorithm which can be included in application  146 ) and, when the images and/or video includes a face, processor  120  can query proximity detector  205  to determine a distance of an object to device  101 , which is assumed to be the face. 
     When the distance from the proximity detector  205  meets given respective threshold conditions, which can be stored at memory  122 , for example in application  146 , processor  120  can control camera device  123  to be in a camera mode or a video mode. For example, when the distance of the detected object to device  101  is less than about 20 cm, processor  120  can control camera device  123  to be in a video mode; and when the distance of the detected object to device  101  is greater than about 20 cm, processor  120  can control camera device  123  to be in a camera mode. However, other threshold conditions are within the scope of present implementations. Regardless, camera device  123  is changed accordingly to a corresponding DOF mode depending on which given respective threshold condition is met. 
     Hence, a focus position of camera device can be controlled by processor  120  based on a number of factors though, generally, processor  120  automatically controls the camera device  123  to the first focus position when camera device  123  is in the camera mode; and, automatically control the camera device  123  to the second focus position when camera device  123  is in the video mode. 
     Processor  120  can be further configured to communicate with display  126 , which comprises any suitable one of, or combination of, flat panel displays (e.g. LCD (liquid crystal display), plasma displays, OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays, capacitive or resistive touchscreens, CRTs (cathode ray tubes) and the like. 
     As depicted, device  101  further comprises an optional speaker  132  and an optional microphone  134 . Speaker  132  comprises any suitable speaker for converting audio data to sound to provide one or more of audible alerts, audible communications from remote communication devices, and the like. Microphone  134  comprises any suitable microphone for receiving sound and converting to audio data. Speaker  132  and microphone  134  can be used in combination to implement telephone functions at device  101 . 
     In some implementations, input device  128  and display  126  are external to device  101 , with processor  120  in communication with each of input device  128  and display  126  via a suitable connection and/or link. 
     As depicted, processor  120  also connects to optional communication interface  124  (interchangeably referred to interchangeably as interface  124 ), which can be implemented as one or more radios and/or connectors and/or network adaptors, configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more communication networks (not depicted). It will be appreciated that interface  124  is configured to correspond with network architecture that is used to implement one or more communication links to the one or more communication networks, including but not limited to any suitable combination of USB (universal serial bus) cables, serial cables, wireless links, cell-phone links, cellular network links (including but not limited to 2 G, 2.5 G, 3 G, 4 G+ such as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code division multiple access), FDD (frequency division duplexing), LTE (Long Term Evolution), TDD (time division duplexing), TDD-LTE (TDD-Long Term Evolution), TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) and the like, wireless data, Bluetooth™ links, NFC (near field communication) links, WLAN (wireless local area network) links, WiFi links, WiMax links, packet based links, the Internet, analog networks, the PSTN (public switched telephone network), access points, and the like, and/or a combination. 
     While not depicted, device  101  further comprises a power supply, including, but not limited to, a battery, a power pack and the like, and/or a connection to a mains power supply and/or a power adaptor (e.g. and AC-to-DC (alternating current to direct current) adaptor). In general the power supply powers components of device  101 . 
     Further, it should be understood that in general a wide variety of configurations for device  101  are contemplated. For example, while not depicted, device  101  can further comprise a back facing camera at least partially located on a back side of chassis  109 , and configured for acquiring images and/or video in a direction opposite camera device  123 . 
     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 3  which depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method  300  of controlling a camera device between discrete focus positions, according to non-limiting implementations. In order to assist in the explanation of method  300 , it will be assumed that method  300  is performed using device  101 , and specifically by processor  120 , for example when processor  120  processes application  146 . Indeed, method  300  is one way in which device  101  can be configured. Furthermore, the following discussion of method  300  will lead to a further understanding of device  101 , and its various components. However, it is to be understood that device  101  and/or method  300  can be varied, and need not work exactly as discussed herein in conjunction with each other, and that such variations are within the scope of present implementations. 
     Regardless, it is to be emphasized, that method  300  need not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, unless otherwise indicated; and likewise various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence; hence the elements of method  300  are referred to herein as “blocks” rather than “steps”. It is also to be understood, however, that method  300  can be implemented on variations of device  101  as well. 
     It is further appreciated that blocks  301  to  307  are optional. 
     At optional block  301 , processor  120  can determine whether a face is detected in images and/or video acquired by camera device  123 . Block  301  can repeat when no face is detected (i.e. a “No” decision at block  301 ); in other words, block  301  can repeat until a face is detected. Faces can be detected by processor  120  processing images and/or video, acquired by camera device  123 , in conjunction with a face detection algorithm. 
     At optional block  303 , which is implemented when a face is detected (i.e. a “Yes” decision at block  301 ), processor  120  can determine a distance from device  101  to the detected face, for example using proximity detector  205 . 
     At optional block  305 , processor  120  can control camera device  123  to be in one of the video mode or the camera mode based on the determined distance between the device and the face, which is appreciated to be located in the field of view of camera device  123 , for example based on respective threshold distances as described above. 
     At optional block  307 , processor  120  can determine whether camera device  123  is in the camera mode or the video mode, for example when processor  120  has not already determined such. 
     At block  309 , when camera device  123  is in the camera mode (e.g. at block  307 , processor  120  determines that camera device  123  is in the camera mode and/or processor  120  has previously controlled camera device  123  to the camera mode), processor  120  automatically controls camera device  123  to the first focus position. 
     Alternatively, at block  311 , when camera device  123  is in the video mode (e.g. at block  307 , processor  120  determines that camera device  123  is in the video mode and/or processor  120  has previously controlled camera device  123  to the video mode), processor  120  automatically controls camera device  123  to the second focus position. 
     Method  300  is now described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 10 , with  FIGS. 4, 5 and 7  being substantially similar to  FIG. 2  with like elements having like numbers, unless otherwise noted, and  FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 10  being substantially similar to  FIG. 2  with like elements having like numbers. 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 4 , which schematically depicts a user  401  and a feature  403  (e.g. a tree) in a field of view of camera device  123 . Apparatus  203  can be in an arbitrary one of the first focus position and the second focus position, for example a last focus position and/or a rest focus position and/or a default focus position (which can be either of the first focus position and the second focus position). It is further assumed in  FIG. 4  that processor  120  is processing application  146 , which can include a general camera application, in addition to the functionality described above. 
     In any event, a face of user  401  is appreciated to be in a field of view of camera device  123 , while feature  403  is appreciated to be located behind user  401 , and also visible in the field of view of camera device  123 , for example over a shoulder of user  401 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , processor  120  can acquire an image  405  (and/or video) of user  401  and feature  403  using current settings of camera device  123  and/or default settings of camera device  123 . 
     As also depicted in  FIG. 4 , processor  120  processes image  405  to determine whether a face is present in image  405  (e.g. block  301  of method  300 ), for example using a face detection algorithm, which can be part of application  146 . 
     When image  405  includes a face (assumed in  FIG. 4 ), processor  120  can query proximity detector  205  to return a distance  407  between device  101  and user  401  (e.g. block  303  of method  300 ). Processor  120  can process distance  407  to determine whether distance  407  meets given threshold conditions stored in memory  122 , for example in application  146 , the given respective threshold conditions associated with controlling camera device  123  to one of camera mode or video mode, as described above. 
     Assuming that a respective threshold condition is met, processor  120  controls camera device  123  to control camera device  123  to be in one of the video mode or the camera mode based on determined distance  407  between device  101  and the face in the field of view of camera device  123  (e.g. block  305  of method  300 ), as described hereafter. 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 5 , where it is assumed that at block  307 , processor  120  has determined that camera device  123  is in video mode, and hence processor  120  automatically controls camera device  123  to the second focus position. For example, assuming that a focus position of camera device  123  in  FIG. 4  is the first focus position, and assuming that processor  120  determines at block  307  that camera device  123  is in video mode, in  FIG. 5  processor  120  controls camera device  123  (for example by transmitting a command  501  thereto) which causes apparatus  203  to move to the position corresponding to the second focus position (e.g. block  311  of method  300 ), where the DOF of camera device  123  is in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter. In other words, in video mode, the DOF of camera device  123  is automatically controlled to values which are associated with video chatting, for example in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter. 
     The resulting images and/or video are depicted in  FIG. 6 , which depicts video rendered at display device  126 , where a face of user  401  is in focus and feature  403  is out of focus (as indicated by feature  403  being drawn in stippled lines). As depicted, the video rendered at display device  126  includes an optional indicator  601  indicating that camera device  123  is in a video mode, for example for video chatting. 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 7 , where it is assumed that at block  307 , processor  120  has determined that camera device  123  is in camera mode, and hence processor  120  automatically controls camera device  123  to the first focus position. For example, assuming that a focus position of camera device  123  in  FIG. 4  is the first focus position, and assuming that processor  120  determines at block  307  that camera device  123  is in video mode, in  FIG. 5  processor  120  controls camera device  123  (for example by transmitting a command  701  thereto) which causes apparatus  203  to move to the position corresponding to the second focus position (e.g. block  311  of method  300 ), where the DOF of camera device  123  is at the hyperfocal distance. In implementations where camera device  123  is already in the first focus position, command  701  is optional. In other words, in camera mode, the DOF of camera device  123  is automatically controlled to values which are associated with acquiring self-portraits and/or selfies, for the hyperfocal distance. 
     A resulting image is depicted in  FIG. 8 , which depicts an image rendered at display device  126 , where a face of user  401  is in focus and feature  403  is also in focus (as indicated by feature  403  being drawn in solid lines). As depicted, the image rendered at display device  126  includes an optional indicator  801  indicating that camera device  123  is in a camera mode and/or selfie mode, for example for acquiring self-portraits that include features behind user  401 . 
     As described above, camera device  123  comprises two discrete focus positions, a first focus position where the DOF is at the hyperfocal distance, and a second focus position where the DOF is in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter. When camera device  123  is in camera mode, processor  120  controls camera device  123  to the first focus position, so that selfies can be taken, and when camera device  123  is in video mode, processor  120  controls camera device  123  to the second focus position for video chatting. However, in some implementations, input device  128  can be used to change between focus positions regardless of a mode of camera device  123 . In such implementations, processor  120  is further configured to: control camera device  123  to the first focus position or the second focus position based on input data received at input device  128 . 
     For example, attention is next directed to  FIG. 9  which is similar to  FIG. 8 , with like elements having like numbers. Hence, in  FIG. 9 , camera device  123  has been controlled to a camera mode, and to the first focus position so that the DOF is at the hyperfocal distance. However,  FIG. 9  further depicts a pull-down menu  901  comprising selectable options “Selfie” and “Video Chat” corresponding, respectively, to the first focus position and the second focus position.  FIG. 9  also depicts a hand  903  of user  401  selecting option “Video Chat” in order to change a focus position of camera device  123  from the first position to the second position, assuming that input device  128  includes a touchscreen of display device  126 . However, other formats for presenting and/or selecting selectable options for changing focus positions, other than pull-down menus, are within the scope of present implementations. 
       FIG. 10  depicts device  101  after selectable option “Video Chat” has been selected while camera device  123  is in camera mode. Specifically, camera device  123  changes to second focus position so that the DOF is in a range of 20 cm to 1 meter, while camera device  123  remains in camera mode, such that a face of user  401  is in focus but feature  403  is out of focus, as in  FIG. 6  (where camera device  123  is in video mode). Optional indicator  801  changes to optional indicator  1001  which indicates that camera device  123  is in camera mode but with a “Short” DOF; alternatively, a numerical value of the DOF could be provided and/or another subjective indicator which indicates that camera device  123  is in the second focus position. While not depicted, when camera device  123  is in video mode, menu  901  can be used to change camera device  123  from the second focus position to the first focus position, so that video can be acquired by camera device  123  with a DOF at the hyperfocal distance. 
     In any event, provided herein is a device that includes a front facing camera device that can be changed between two discrete focus positions, which are optimized for use with a video mode and a camera mode, and specifically optimized for video chatting and selfie acquisitions. The device can automatically adjust the front facing camera device between the two discrete focus positions based on whether the front facing camera device is in a video mode or a camera mode, using an underlying assumption that in video mode, the front facing camera device is to be used for video chatting, and in camera mode the front facing camera device is to be used for acquiring selfies. In general, the DOF for the discrete focus position for selfies is a hyperfocal distance, and the DOF for the discrete focus position for selfies is in a range of about 20 cm to about 1 meter. While in some implementations, there are only two discrete focus positions, in other implementations there can be three discrete focus positions, though the DOF for the discrete focus position for selfies is a hyperfocal distance is neither an auto-focus camera device nor a fixed focus camera device. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some implementations, the functionality of device  101  can be implemented using pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.), or other related components. In other implementations, the functionality of device  101  can be achieved using a computing apparatus that has access to a code memory (not depicted) which stores computer-readable program code for operation of the computing apparatus. The computer-readable program code could be stored on a computer readable storage medium which is fixed, tangible and readable directly by these components, (e.g., removable diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, fixed disk, USB drive). Furthermore, the computer-readable program can be stored as a computer program product comprising a computer usable medium. Further, a persistent storage device can comprise the computer readable program code. The computer-readable program code and/or computer usable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer-readable program code and/or non-transitory computer usable medium. Alternatively, the computer-readable program code could be stored remotely but transmittable to these components via a modem or other interface device connected to a network (including, without limitation, the Internet) over a transmission medium. The transmission medium can be either a non-mobile medium (e.g., optical and/or digital and/or analog communications lines) or a mobile medium (e.g., microwave, infrared, free-space optical or other transmission schemes) or a combination thereof. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto.