Digital Video Camera Autofocus Motor Life Extension via Test Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital video cameras lack effective methods to rapidly and efficiently improve image quality in real-time video streams, particularly in terms of focus and light sensitivity, which can lead to unnecessary wear on autofocus motors and suboptimal image capture.
Innovation Solution
The method involves interspersing the capture of images using a digital video camera with alternating camera settings, where every second image is captured with the sensor or lens moved to a test position to compare image quality, allowing for rapid initiation of image quality improvement operations such as refocusing or adjusting the sensor tilt, thereby optimizing image sharpness and reducing autofocus motor usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If continuous autofocus operations are performed to improve image sharpness, then image quality is improved, but autofocus motor wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing test images at different focus positions before committing to a focus adjustment. The system预先 captures a first test image at the current focus position and a second test image at an adjusted focus position, then compares these images to determine if focus improvement is actually needed. This prevents unnecessary autofocus motor operations and extends motor life while maintaining image sharpness quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If frequent image quality checks are performed to ensure optimal focus, then image quality is maintained, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing focus quality checks only on specific regions of the image (area of interest) rather than analyzing the entire image. The system identifies an area of interest in the captured image and performs focus evaluation primarily on this region, reducing processing time and computational complexity while maintaining image quality assurance for the most important parts of the scene.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autofocus is continuously activated to adapt to changing focus requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by comparing test images captured at different focus positions to determine whether focus adjustment actually improves image quality. The system captures a first test image at the current focus position, adjusts the focus position, captures a second test image, compares the two images, and only activates autofocus if the comparison indicates improved focus. This feedback mechanism provides adaptability while reducing unnecessary operations and simplifying control logic.
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 approach enhances image quality by ensuring that refocusing is only initiated when necessary, prolonging the life of autofocus motors and improving image sharpness, while also allowing for dynamic adjustment of camera settings based on real-time analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that can output an image signal obtained by photo-electrically converting a subject image
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for improving the image quality of images in a video image stream captured by means of a digital video camera (5; 5'). The method comprises: capturing a first subset of images by means of the digital video camera (5; 5'), outputting the images of the first subset of images as said video image stream, moving an image sensor (14, 14') and/or a lens (12, 12') of the digital video camera (5; 5') from a respective normal position to a respective test position before capturing an image of a second subset of images, capturing the second subset of images using said digital camera (5; 5'), wherein said capturing of the second subset of images are interspersed with said capturing of the first subset of images, comparing an image of the first subset of images with an image of the second subset of images, determining based on said comparison if said image of the second subset of images exhibits improved image quality as compared with said image of the first subset of images, in case of said image of the second subset of images exhibits improved image quality as compared with said image of the first subset of images, initiating an image quality improvement operation on said digital video camera (5; 5'). The present invention also relates to a digital video camera (5; 5') for improving the image quality of images in a video image stream