Camera Auto Focus via Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart cameras used in monitoring tasks require manual or iterative methods for focusing, which are time-consuming and inefficient, especially when dealing with multiple objects at varying distances.
Innovation Solution
An automatic focusing method that uses image content analysis, particularly motion detection and object classification, to determine object distances and adjust the camera's focus and aperture settings accordingly, eliminating the need for iterative adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative focusing methods are used to adjust focus until contrast is optimized, then focusing accuracy is improved, but focusing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by first determining the distance to the object of interest before initiating the focusing process. This preliminary distance measurement allows the focusing system to jump directly to the correct focus position without needing to iteratively test multiple focus settings, thereby achieving both quick and accurate focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the distance determination mechanism - that mediates between the camera's focusing system and the object. By first measuring the distance to the object and using this information to calculate the required focus position, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments while maintaining focusing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual focusing is used after lens mounting, then focusing control is precise, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-service by automatically determining the distance to the object and independently calculating the correct focus position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in the focusing process, making the operation simpler while maintaining precision through automated distance-based focus calculation.
3Ease of operation
If autofocus methods are used without distance information, then ease of operation is improved, but focusing speed decreases due to iterative adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance determination before the focusing operation. This preliminary action provides the exact information needed to calculate the correct focus position, allowing the automated focusing system to jump directly to the correct position rather than iteratively searching, thereby achieving both ease of operation and high focusing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically focusing a camera (10), having an optical unit (11) for focusing and a driveable actuator unit (12) for adjusting the optical unit (11), on at least one object (20, 21), wherein an image is recorded by the camera, wherein the at least one object (20, 21) in the image is automatically detected by the camera (10) via image content analysis, wherein a distance (120, 121) between the at least one object (20, 21) and the camera (10) is automatically ascertained, and wherein the driveable actuator unit (12) is driven in a targeted manner based on the ascertained distance (120, 121) such that the optical unit (11) is focused on the at least one object (20, 21).