Camera Composite Image Superimposing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cameras with double-image matching range finders require complex mechanisms for precise manual focusing, making them difficult to manufacture and prone to accuracy issues due to external impacts, which complicates user adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera with a simple mechanism that uses two imaging units, a focusing amount acquiring unit, a composite image generating unit, and an image display unit to superimpose partial images from one unit onto another based on a predetermined cutout rule, allowing for precise focus adjustment without complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-image matching range finder with rotating range finder optical system is used, then manual focusing capability is achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating range finder optical system with an electronic image processing system. Two imaging units capture images simultaneously, and a control unit processes these images to generate a composite viewfinder image that displays focusing information, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and complex optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a second imaging unit to capture a copy of the subject image from a different optical path, then processes this copied image to extract focusing information. This copied image is overlaid on the first image to provide focusing guidance without requiring mechanical movement of optical components.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision manufacturing and assembly are performed, then accurate double image superposition is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical precision requirements by using electronic image processing. The control unit digitally aligns and superimposes images from two imaging units through software algorithms, replacing the need for precise mechanical assembly and calibration of optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physical parameter precision (mechanical alignment tolerances) to digital parameter adjustment (image processing parameters). The system can dynamically adjust image alignment through software, allowing faster assembly without sacrificing superposition accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a complex rotating mechanism is used for focusing, then focusing function is achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to external impacts and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sensitive mechanical rotating mechanism with a robust electronic system. Two imaging units and a control unit process images electronically to provide focusing information in the viewfinder, making the system immune to external impacts that would affect mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes images from both imaging units and generates the composite viewfinder image without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms. The electronic system self-corrects and maintains focusing accuracy without being affected by external forces.
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 precise manual focusing with a simpler mechanism, allowing users to easily adjust for misalignments and improve manufacturing tolerances, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly and adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging unit for performing a photoelectric conversion on an image of a subject
Implementation Method 2
a second imaging unit for performing a photoelectric conversion on an image of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A camera with a focusing function is provided. The camera includes a first imaging unit configured to generate a first image by a photoelectric conversion from an image of a subject obtained via a first lens, a second imaging unit configured to generate a second image by a photoelectric conversion from an image of the subject obtained via a second lens, where the second imaging unit being different from the first imaging unit, an focusing amount acquiring unit configured to acquire amount of focusing, a composite image generating unit configured to set a cutout position on the second image, to cut out an partial image at the cutout position, on the basis of the operation amount and a predetermined cutout rule, and to generate a composite image by superimposing the partial image on the first image, and an image display unit configured to display the composite image.