Camera Convergence Feedback Indicator for Partial Focus Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera technologies do not provide a method for users to capture images when focusing is not fully completed, lacking an option to take a picture when the image is mostly in focus without waiting for complete fine focusing.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that includes a lens assembly with an adjustable lens and image recording circuitry, using a focus controller to determine when an image is mostly in focus by evaluating line and edge clarity, and providing a convergence indicator on the user interface to signal that the image is sufficiently focused for capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera waits for complete fine focusing before capturing the image, then the image quality is optimized, but the image capture time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage focus qualityVSAvoidimage capture time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by determining when an image is 'mostly in focus' rather than waiting for complete fine focusing. The focus controller evaluates whether the image has reached sufficient focus quality to capture, allowing users to take pictures before full focusing is complete. This resolves the contradiction by accepting partial focus completion to reduce capture time while maintaining reasonable image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Ease of operation

If the camera provides real-time focus status indication to users, then the user control over image capture is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidfocus control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by providing real-time focus status indication to users through a user interface. The focus controller continuously monitors focus quality and communicates the current focus state (e.g., mostly in focus, fully focused) to the user, enabling informed capture decisions. This feedback mechanism improves ease of operation by giving users control awareness without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the camera uses only auto focusing mode, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different user needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera operation simplicityVSAvoidfocusing mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the camera to operate in auto focusing mode while dynamically allowing users to capture images at different focus stages (mostly in focus or fully focused). The system adapts to user needs by providing capture options throughout the focusing process, combining the simplicity of auto mode with the flexibility of user-controlled capture timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2442551B1Convergence feedback indicator, provided when taking a picture in a camera application
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2442551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2442551B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2442551B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An apparatus, and an associated method, facilitates capturing an image in an electronic camera without the image being completely focused. A "most-in-focus" indicator is provided to an operator of the camera to notify the operator that a reasonably good image is available for capture, without having to wait for the camera to finish a fine focus adjustment.