Camera Autofocus with Rotation Sensor for Focus Shift Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autofocus systems in cameras are cumbersome and often result in out-of-focus images when recomposing shots, especially in situations with small depth of field or moving subjects, due to the inability to accurately adjust focus planes during image repositioning.

Innovation Solution

A portable camera equipped with a microelectromechanical rotation sensor that automatically compensates for focus shifts during rotation, allowing immediate visual feedback and continuous autofocus adjustments, enabling quicker focus times and more precise control over focus points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the camera uses traditional autofocus systems with manual focus point selection, then the photographer can control focus points, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus point selectionVSAvoidautofocus adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system automatically determines focus points and directions of interest without requiring manual user input. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify subjects, faces, and important regions in the image, then sets focus points based on these automated detections, eliminating the need for manual focus point selection by the photographer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control of focus points with automated electronic image processing and algorithmic determination. Instead of requiring the photographer to manually select focus points through camera controls, the system uses computer vision techniques to automatically identify and select appropriate focus points based on image content analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the photographer recomposes the picture after half-press autofocus, then the composition can be improved, but the focus shifts and the subject becomes out of focus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage compositionVSAvoidfocus accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the camera's rotation using rotation sensors and provides real-time feedback by calculating and adjusting the focus plane based on the detected rotation angle. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that as the photographer recomposes the image by rotating the camera, the focus plane automatically adjusts to maintain the subject in focus throughout the recomposition process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment that adapts to the camera's motion state. Instead of a static focus setting, the system continuously updates the focus plane based on real-time rotation data from sensors, making the focus system dynamic and responsive to the photographer's recomposition movements, thereby maintaining focus accuracy during composition adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera uses fixed focus planes, then the system is simple, but it cannot maintain focus on multiple subjects at different directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional focus controlVSAvoidfocus system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the three-dimensional space around the camera into multiple directional segments or regions. Each direction of interest corresponds to a specific spatial segment, and the system can independently control focus planes for each segment. This segmentation allows the camera to maintain focus on multiple subjects located in different directions simultaneously, with each subject having its own dedicated focus plane control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional focus control (within the image plane) to three-dimensional focus control by incorporating spatial direction as an additional dimension. By adding the directional dimension, the camera can manage multiple focus planes oriented in different three-dimensional directions, enabling simultaneous focus on subjects at various angles and positions around the camera

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution allows photographers to select and maintain focus on specific points of interest with ease, reducing missed shots and ensuring images remain in focus during recomposition, even in challenging conditions like portrait or sports photography.

Implementation Method 1

A portable camera equipped with a microelectromechanical rotation sensor that automatically compensates for focus shifts during rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11252321B1Method and apparatus for selecting multiple directions of interest

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 PROMANTHAN BRAINS LLC SERIES POINT ONLY

AI summary

According to some embodiments, a portable camera equipped with an autofocus system is also equipped with a microelectromechanical rotation sensor. The camera's processor uses rotation data provided by this sensor to correct focus as the camera is a rotated and displays the new orientation of the area of interest for autofocus to the user on a display. Focus may be adjusted on user command only or continuously, and one or more areas of interest may be chosen. Additional applications are shown.