Camera Focus Indicator Superimposition and Dynamic Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies for focus information in digital cameras often obstruct the visibility of the subject, fail to provide a suitable guide display for the focus state in autofocus mode, and struggle with appropriate positioning and scaling of focus information during mode changes and enlarged live view displays.
Innovation Solution
A display control apparatus that includes a display control unit for superimposing focus indicators on the live view image, an acquiring unit for determining the focus state, and a changing unit for adjusting the position and form of indicators based on the focus state, allowing for improved visibility and situational adaptability of focus information during autofocus operations, mode changes, and enlarged views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If focus information is displayed outside the image region, then the focus information is clearly visible, but the subject and focus information are distanced from each other, increasing line of sight movement and reducing ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves focus information from a two-dimensional external display area to a three-dimensional superimposed position within the image region, allowing focus indicators to be displayed at the actual location of the focus point on the subject, eliminating the need for line of sight movement between separate display areas
2Loss of information
If a marker of constant area is displayed superimposed on the image, then the focus position is clearly indicated, but the visibility of the subject is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scaling of focus indicators based on the degree of off-focus. When the subject is significantly out of focus, larger indicators are displayed to provide clear guidance. As the subject approaches focus, the indicators automatically reduce in size, minimizing obstruction of the subject while maintaining visibility of the focus state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameters (size, form) of focus indicators based on the focus evaluation value. Multiple display forms are used: large indicators for significant off-focus states, smaller indicators for near-focus states, and different visual forms (arrows, circles, text) depending on the degree of focus deviation
3Loss of information
If focus information is displayed during autofocus operations, then the focus state can be monitored, but the display may not provide suitable guidance for autofocus operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback display during autofocus operations by continuously showing focus evaluation values and directional indicators. The system provides real-time feedback on whether the subject is in focus, front-focused, or back-focused, and indicates the direction needed to achieve focus, making the autofocus operation more controllable and informative
4Measurement precision
If focus indicators are displayed during enlarged live view display, then focus adjustment can be confirmed in detail, but the positioning and scaling of focus information becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying focus indicators specifically at the focus point detection position within the enlarged live view image. The indicators are locally adapted to the enlarged view context, maintaining appropriate size and positioning relative to the magnified subject area, which simplifies the positioning logic compared to global display approaches
Data Source
AI summary
Included are a display control unit configured to display a live view image being imaged by an imaging unit, and to display a display item indicating a degree of in-focus, superimposed on the live view image; an acquiring unit configured to acquire information relating to a degree of in-focus in a focus detecting region; and a changing unit configured to change display positions and display forms of a first indicator and second indicator that indicate a degree of in-focus by a positional display relationship with each other, and a third indicator that indicates a focus position, based on information acquired by the acquiring unit, the first indicator and the second indicator and the third indicator are included in the display item.