Camera Focus Overlay Using Distance Detection Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera focusing methods struggle to achieve sharp focus, especially when the camera is moving or when the depth of field is shallow, as they rely on manual estimation and cannot provide clear direction or magnitude of focus adjustments, leading to difficulties in maintaining focus, especially in dynamic scenes and limited spatial conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera focusing system that includes a distance measuring device with a two-dimensional array of detection zones, a graphics overlay unit, and a monitor, which generates graphics indicating the field of detection, position, and necessary focus adjustments to bring subjects within the depth of field, allowing for static overlay graphics despite parallax and varying focal lengths, enabling accurate and simultaneous focus on multiple subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual focus estimation is used, then the camera can be operated without complex equipment, but the focus precision deteriorates when the camera is moving or depth of field is shallow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focus estimation with an automated optical measurement system. A distance measuring device uses light reflection to automatically determine subject distance, eliminating the need for manual estimation while providing precise focus data even when the camera is moving or when depth of field is shallow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary distance measuring device that acts as a mediator between the camera system and the focus setting. This device measures subject distance independently and provides accurate distance information to the focus control system, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and precise focus measurement.
2Measurement precision
If overlay graphics are shifted to account for parallax, then the distance measurement accuracy improves, but the graphics stability deteriorates as overlay position changes with focus distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic overlay graphics system that automatically adjusts its position and scale based on the current focus distance and camera settings. The graphics are shifted to account for parallax effects while maintaining stable alignment with the subject, allowing the overlay to adapt dynamically to changing shooting conditions without losing measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the distance measuring device to continuously adjust the overlay graphics position. The measured distance information is fed back to the graphics rendering system, which automatically compensates for parallax and maintains accurate visual alignment between the overlay and the actual subject position.
3Area of stationary object
If detection zones are made large to detect multiple subjects, then the coverage area improves, but the distance measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection field into multiple segmented detection zones, each with its own distance measurement capabilities. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precise distance measurements for individual subjects while collectively covering a large area through the combination of multiple zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detection zone is optimized with local quality characteristics suitable for its specific function. The system applies different measurement and detection parameters to different zones, allowing large coverage areas while maintaining high measurement precision within each individual zone through localized optimization.
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
The system allows for precise and simultaneous focus on multiple subjects by providing static overlay graphics that remain unchanged with parallax and focal length variations, reducing distractions and maintaining focus accuracy across a wide range of camera settings, enhancing the ability to capture sharp images in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect one or more reflections of the beam of radiation
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, systems and software for focusing a camera are disclosed. The camera focusing system includes a distance measuring device, a video receiver that receives video / images, a graphics overlay unit, and a monitor. The distance measuring device includes an emitter that emits a radiation beam, a detector that detects reflected radiation, and logic that determines and processes distance information for subject(s) or object(s) in detection zones from the reflections. The graphics overlay unit receives video / image information from the video receiver and the distance information from the distance measuring device, and includes a video overlay and data processing unit that generates graphics indicating a field of detection and position for each detection zone and a direction and/or magnitude of a change in focus setting(s) to bring subjects or objects within each detection zone into focus. The monitor displays the video / image and the graphics overlaid thereon.