Autofocus Depth Map Generation for Camera Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices face challenges in efficiently determining when to perform autofocus operations, leading to unnecessary retriggering and disruptions in image capture due to changes in the scene, such as objects moving or camera motion, which can result in a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
The system generates a depth map by receiving intensity measurements for focal regions, determining focus values, and using these values to decide when to perform autofocus operations, while excluding irrelevant focal regions to minimize unnecessary adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device performs autofocus operations based on scene changes, then the focus accuracy is improved, but unnecessary retriggering occurs due to irrelevant changes such as camera motion or objects entering/exiting the scene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scene into multiple focal regions and generates a depth map for each region. By analyzing depth changes in specific regions of interest rather than the entire scene, the system can determine when autofocus is actually needed, reducing unnecessary retriggering while maintaining focus accuracy for relevant areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different analysis criteria to different focal regions based on their depth characteristics. Regions with significant depth changes trigger autofocus operations, while regions with stable depth values do not. This local differentiation allows the system to respond precisely to actual focus needs without being triggered by irrelevant scene changes.
2Reliability
If the device monitors all focal regions for depth changes, then the detection of focus-critical changes is improved, but the computational complexity and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scene into multiple focal regions and generates individual depth maps for each segment. This segmentation allows the system to process and analyze depth information in manageable units, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining reliable detection of focus-critical changes in each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies depth analysis selectively to focal regions based on their relevance to the region of interest. By focusing computational resources on regions that actually impact focus determination and excluding irrelevant regions, the system reduces processing load while maintaining high reliability for detecting changes that matter.
3Loss of time
If the device excludes irrelevant focal regions from autofocus operations, then the number of unnecessary adjustments is reduced, but the accuracy of determining when autofocus is needed may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent excludes specific focal regions from triggering autofocus operations based on their depth characteristics. Regions that are already in focus or will remain in focus across the intended focal range are identified and excluded. This selective exclusion reduces unnecessary adjustments while the system maintains accurate triggering by carefully analyzing which regions actually require focus changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses depth map information as feedback to determine whether autofocus operations are needed. By continuously monitoring depth changes in relevant focal regions and comparing them against focus requirements, the system can accurately determine when autofocus should be triggered, preventing both unnecessary adjustments and missed focus opportunities.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for generating a depth map. An example device may include one or more processors and a memory. The memory may include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to receive a first intensity measurement for each of a plurality of focal regions for a camera at a first focal length, determine, from the first intensity measurements, a first focus value for each of the plurality of focal regions, generate a depth map of an indication of focal lengths for the plurality of focal regions based on the first focus values for the plurality of focal regions, and use the depth map in determining when to perform or in performing an autofocus operation for the camera.