Blur Correction Using Subject Distance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in producing a focused image with reduced computation, especially when the subject distance is unknown, leading to inefficient blur correction processes.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that includes an optical system, an imaging device, acquisition means for determining subject distance, and correction means for correcting blur based on specific lens imaging characteristics, allowing for focused image production without precise autofocusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If signal processing is performed on defocused image based on lens imaging characteristics for every possible subject distance, then a focused image can be produced, but the amount of computation becomes enormous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of subject distance using a distance measuring device (such as optical distance meter or stereo vision) before conducting blur correction. This preliminary action allows the system to select only the specific lens imaging characteristic corresponding to the actual subject distance, rather than processing all possible distances, thereby dramatically reducing computation while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of subject distance from unknown to known by introducing distance measurement. This parameter change enables the system to select the appropriate blur function and inverse function from pre-prepared sets corresponding to different distances, avoiding the need to process all possible distances and reducing computational burden
2Manufacturing precision
If autofocusing operation is performed to bring subject into focus, then focused image can be captured, but the operation may not be precise or subject distance may change abruptly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distance measurement as an intermediary between the lens and image capture process. By measuring subject distance independently and using it to select appropriate blur correction parameters, the system bypasses the reliability issues of autofocusing while still achieving accurate focus through post-processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical autofocusing system (lens movement based on contrast detection or phase difference) with a computational approach using distance measurement and inverse filtering. This substitution eliminates the limitations of mechanical focusing while achieving similar or better results through image processing
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
Enables the production of focused images with reduced computational effort by correcting blur based on acquired subject distance and lens characteristics, improving image quality without the need for extensive autofocusing operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system which forms an image corresponding to subject light incident through a lens
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: an optical system that forms an image corresponding to subject light incident through a lens; an imaging device that produces a signal corresponding to the subject light incident through the lens and outputs the signal as a captured image; acquisition means for acquiring the distance to the subject; and correction means for correcting blur in the captured image outputted from the imaging device based on an imaging characteristic of the optical system specific to the subject distance acquired by the acquisition means.