Autofocus Focus-Range Control for Subject Tracking Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autofocus control in imaging apparatuses often fails to focus on the subject desired by the user while compromising tracking capability when a limited autofocus range is set.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with an autofocus processing section and a focus range control section that allows setting and changing the focus range after initial focusing, enabling continuous tracking of the subject within a dynamically adjusted depth-direction distance range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the autofocus range is limited to a particular range, then the ability to focus on the desired subject is improved, but the tracking capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus accuracyVSAvoidtracking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the autofocus range adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system dynamically modifies the autofocus range based on subject detection results, expanding or contracting the search area as needed. This allows the system to maintain precise focus on detected subjects while preserving the ability to track moving subjects within a broader context, thus resolving the contradiction between focus accuracy and tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of autofocus range dynamically. Initially, a limited autofocus range is set to improve focus accuracy on the desired subject. After subject detection, the system modifies this range parameter to maintain tracking capability, allowing the autofocus function to adapt between precision and versatility based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the autofocus range is limited, then focusing on the desired subject becomes easier, but the subject may move out of the focus range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus controlVSAvoidcontinuous focus

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using subject detection results to inform and adjust the autofocus range. The system detects the subject's position and characteristics, then feeds this information back to modify the autofocus parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the limited autofocus range remains effective for continuous tracking, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability of continuous focus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary subject detection before finalizing autofocus parameters. By detecting the subject first and analyzing its characteristics, the system can pre-adjust the autofocus range to ensure the subject remains within the focus area, preventing the subject from moving out of range and maintaining continuous focus reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12538023B2Imaging apparatus, focus control method, and program

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is an imaging apparatus that includes an autofocus processing section and a focus range control section. The autofocus processing section executes autofocus control over a subject within a focus range that is set as a range of a depth-direction distance. The focus range control section changes the settings of the focus range after the subject is focused under the autofocus control.