Camera Focus Control Using Depth Map Visual Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras face challenges in accurately controlling focus distance and depth of field, especially in complex scenes, due to the limitations of touch-based focus control methods which can lead to uncertainty in selecting the correct object for focus, particularly in group photos or scenes with multiple objects at varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a depth map of the image area using multiple optical chain modules, providing a visual indication of in-focus and out-of-focus areas through color, shading, or patterns, allowing users to adjust the focus distance and depth of field by selecting objects within the displayed depth information, enabling more precise control of camera focus and field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch-based focus control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a depth map as an intermediary visual layer between the user and the scene. This depth map, generated from multiple optical chain modules, provides precise depth information that mediates between the simple touch interface and the complex focus requirements, allowing users to make accurate focus selections without directly measuring distances.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical chain modules are used to generate depth map, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple optical chain modules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they capture images for normal photography and generate depth maps for focus control. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware components to provide both standard imaging and precise depth measurement capabilities, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If visual indication of depth information is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth information is visualized with local quality variations - different visual characteristics (such as color or intensity) are applied to different regions of the image based on their depth properties. This allows the visualization to convey depth information selectively without overwhelming the user with uniform data across the entire image, maintaining ease of operation while preserving critical depth information.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus that facilitate or implement focus control in a camera and/or can be used to set the camera focus distance, e.g., the distance between the camera and an object which will appear in focus when the objects picture is taken by the camera. A depth map is generated for an image area, e.g., an area corresponding to an image which is captured by the camera. Based on said depth map, in various exemplary embodiments, a visual indication of which portions of an image captured by the camera device are in focus is generated. A user may indicate a change in the desired focus distance by touching a portion of the screen corresponding to an object at the desired focus distance or by varying a slider or other focus distance control.