Autofocus Control Device Using Preliminary Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autofocus systems face challenges in accurately detecting and tracking the main subject, particularly in high-end applications, due to longer calculation times for main subject detection compared to distance information detection, leading to potential misfocus and decreased AF trackability with subject movement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control device and method that includes a main subject detection unit, distance information calculation unit, and detection unit within an imaging device, which detects and acquires main subject information and distance information to determine the foreground depth range, allowing for accurate autofocus targeting and improved AF trackability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If main subject detection is performed to accurately identify the autofocus target, then autofocus accuracy is improved, but calculation time increases leading to potential misfocus
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance information detection before main subject detection. By detecting distance information first and storing it, the system prepares data that will be used during main subject detection, thereby reducing the overall calculation time while maintaining autofocus accuracy through the combined use of distance information and main subject detection results
Solution Approach 2:
The autofocus detection process is segmented into two independent stages: distance information detection and main subject detection. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized separately and enables parallel processing, reducing total calculation time while maintaining the accuracy benefits of both detection methods
2Reliability
If main subject detection is performed to track moving subjects, then AF trackability is improved, but calculation time increases causing lag
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance information detection and stores the results before main subject detection. This preliminary action provides immediate distance data that can be used during tracking, reducing the lag caused by lengthy main subject detection calculations while maintaining reliable tracking through the combination of pre-detected distance information and main subject identification
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking process is divided into separate detection stages where distance information is detected and stored independently before main subject detection. This segmentation enables the system to maintain tracking reliability through main subject detection while reducing time loss by utilizing pre-computed distance information
Data Source
AI summary
A control device including a main subject detection unit that detects a first main subject from among subjects included in a first image, and acquires main subject information indicating the first main subject, a distance information calculation unit that detects a distance of a subject included in a first image, and acquires first distance information indicating the distance, and a detection unit that detects a distance within which a first main subject is included on the basis of main subject information and first distance information, and acquires main subject distance information indicating the distance within which the first main subject is included.