Auto-Focus Area Adjustment for Macro Photography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems with auto-focus functions lack the ability to dynamically adjust the focus area based on operational modes, leading to inefficiencies in focusing, especially in macro mode where the focus area is often too wide, causing unwanted objects to enter the focus frame.
Innovation Solution
The camera system includes focus area setting means that adjusts the focus area to a narrower size when switching from normal to macro mode, allowing for precise focusing on a specific part of the object by setting a first area in normal mode and a second, narrower area in macro mode, using a contrast detection system to optimize focus search ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide focus area is used in normal mode, then the camera can capture a broader scene, but unwanted objects may enter the focus frame in macro mode
Solution Approach 1:
The focus area size is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. In normal mode, a first (larger) area is set to capture broader scenes, while in macro mode, a second (narrower) area is set to focus on specific subjects and exclude unwanted objects. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between capturing broad scenes and achieving precise focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different focus area sizes are applied to different operational modes. The system applies a larger focus area for normal photography and a narrower focus area for macro photography, optimizing the focus area characteristics for each specific use case. This local quality adjustment ensures that the focus area is appropriately sized for the intended subject and shooting conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed focus area is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the focusing speed and accuracy decrease in macro mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically changes the focus area size based on the detected operational mode without requiring manual intervention. The focus area setting means automatically selects between the first area (normal mode) and second area (macro mode), maintaining ease of operation while improving focusing speed and accuracy through dynamic adaptation to shooting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus area setting means automatically adjusts the focus area size based on the operational mode detection, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment. The system serves itself by automatically optimizing the focus area for the current shooting mode, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while enhancing focusing performance.
3Measurement precision
If a narrow focus area is used in macro mode, then focusing accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single focus area setting means that dynamically switches between two predefined focus area sizes based on operational mode. This dynamic switching approach achieves the benefit of mode-specific optimization without requiring completely separate focus area control systems for each mode, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise auto-focusing in macro mode by reducing the focus area to exclude unwanted objects, improving focusing accuracy and user assistance in composition by clearly indicating the focused position, even when objects are close, thus enhancing the overall focusing speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
performing the focusing operation in accordance with a contrast detection system based on image information in an area within the displayed focus frame
Data Source
AI summary
A first area of a predetermined size is set as a focus area from which AF evaluation values are picked up in AF control when a focus mode is a normal one. When the focus mode changes to a macro mode, a second area narrower than the first area is set as the AF area. Thus, in the macro mode, focus search is performed automatically through the narrower area. AF frames indicative of the first and second areas are displayed on a through image.