Camera Focusing System with Distance Measuring Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for focusing motion picture cameras, such as manual estimation and electronic autofocus systems, face challenges when dealing with unpredictable subject movement or shallow depth of field, leading to difficulties in achieving sharp focus, especially in situations where the subject or camera is moving quickly.
Innovation Solution
A camera focusing system that includes a distance measuring device with multiple detection zones, a graphics overlay unit, and a monitor, which generates graphics indicating the direction and magnitude of focus adjustments needed to bring subjects within the depth of field into sharp focus, allowing for both manual and autofocus capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual focus estimation is used, then the focus puller can set focus distance, but it becomes difficult to achieve sharp focus when subjects are in motion or depth of field is shallow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focus estimation with an electronic distance measuring device that uses time-of-flight measurement to automatically determine subject distance. The system substitutes human estimation with electronic sensors and computational algorithms, providing precise distance data that directly translates to accurate focus settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring the distance between camera and subject in real-time, comparing it with the current focus setting, and providing visual indicators showing whether the subject is in focus or out of focus. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic focus adjustment to maintain sharp focus during subject movement.
2Reliability
If electronic autofocus is used, then focus can be maintained automatically, but the focus adjustment appears mechanical and less natural
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the focus puller to maintain control over focus adjustments while the electronic distance measuring device provides automated distance information. The focus puller can make natural, artistic decisions about focus transitions based on real-time distance data and visual feedback, rather than relying on fully automated mechanical autofocus.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual feedback display acts as an intermediary between the electronic distance measuring device and the focus puller. It translates raw distance measurements into intuitive visual indicators that guide manual focus adjustment, bridging the gap between automated measurement and natural manual control.
3Device complexity
If a single detection zone distance measuring device is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot distinguish between multiple targets in the same zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection field into multiple detection zones arranged in an array, allowing the distance measuring device to independently measure distance to multiple targets simultaneously. Each zone provides separate distance information, enabling the system to distinguish between multiple subjects and provide focus information for each one.
4Loss of information
If conventional monitor display is used, then the monitor shows the image, but it cannot indicate the direction or magnitude of focus adjustment needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-coded visual indicators on the monitor display to convey focus status information. Different colors indicate whether the subject is in focus, out of focus in front, or out of focus behind, providing intuitive directional guidance for focus adjustment without requiring complex numerical displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overlays graphical indicators on the video image display, adding a second visual dimension that encodes focus adjustment information. Instead of using separate numerical displays, the system embeds focus status and adjustment direction within the image itself through graphical overlays, icons, and visual cues.
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
Enables accurate and high-speed manual focus adjustment, avoiding mechanical appearance issues associated with automatic focus systems, and provides clear visual prompts for focusing on multiple subjects simultaneously, ensuring sharp images even with rapid subject movement.
Implementation Method 1
The distance measuring device includes an emitter configured to emit a beam of radiation, a detector configured to detect one or more reflections of the beam of radiation, and logic configured to determine distance information for one or more subjects or objects in each of a plurality of detection zones in a field of view of the camera from the reflections
Data Source
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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.