Camera Focus Region Selection via Sub-Region Disparity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems, such as DSLR cameras, face challenges in accurately determining the focal region for capturing images, especially when multiple objects are present, as they often require user intervention and may not efficiently differentiate between objects using existing auto-focus methods like contrast and phase auto focus.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that utilize a processor to divide the image sensor's region of interest into sub-regions, calculate disparity information using phase sensing pixels, and determine the focal region based on movement distances and reliability, allowing for automatic selection of the optimal focal region through user interface input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If phase auto focus is used to determine focal region, then focusing speed is improved, but focal region determination accuracy deteriorates when multiple objects are present
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor region is divided into multiple sub-regions of interest, and phase sensing pixels are distributed across these sub-regions. Each sub-region independently calculates disparity information for objects within it, enabling parallel processing that maintains speed while improving accuracy through regional analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-regions are assigned specific functions based on their characteristics. The processor calculates movement distances and reliability information for each sub-region separately, then integrates these local results to determine the overall focal region, allowing localized optimization of focus determination.
2Measurement precision
If contrast auto focus is used to determine focal region, then focal region determination accuracy is improved, but focusing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor region is divided into multiple sub-regions of interest, and phase sensing pixels are distributed across these sub-regions. Each sub-region independently calculates disparity information for objects within it, enabling parallel processing that maintains speed while improving accuracy through regional analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple focal regions are provided, then object selection flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically determines the focal region by calculating disparity information, movement distances, and reliability information for multiple sub-regions, then selecting the appropriate focal region without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously making the focus determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor uses reliability information as feedback to evaluate the quality of disparity calculations in each sub-region. Based on this feedback, it automatically selects the focal region with the highest reliability, enabling intelligent automatic selection without user input.
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
This approach enables prompt and accurate determination of the focal region, improving user satisfaction by automating the focus selection process even when multiple objects are present, thereby enhancing image capture efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor which includes a plurality of image pixels and a plurality of phase sensing pixels, and is configured to capture images through collection of light that is incident through a lens
Implementation Method 2
calculate disparity information of objects that correspond to the plurality of sub-regions of interest using at least one of the plurality of phase sensing pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus is provided, which includes an image sensor which includes a plurality of image pixels and a plurality of sensing pixels, and is configured to capture images through collection of light that is incident through a lens and the plurality of phase sensing pixels; and a processor configured to divide a region of interest of the image sensor into a plurality of sub-regions of interest, calculate disparity information of objects that correspond to the plurality of sub-regions of interest using at least one of the plurality of phase sensing pixels included in the plurality of sub-regions of interest, and determine a focal region in the region of interest on the basis of the disparity information. Accordingly, user convenience is increased.