Camera Control Apparatus for Automatic Deep Focus via Hyperfocal Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens interchangeable type image pickup systems lack the ability to easily and automatically set deep focus imaging, requiring special user knowledge and skills, and do not support automatic deep focus setting for a variety of attachable lenses.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and method that includes a processor and memory for acquiring and transmitting hyperfocal length information between an image pickup apparatus and a lens apparatus, allowing for automatic deep focus setting by calculating and driving the focus lens to a hyperfocal position, enabling easy deep focus imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual deep focus setting is implemented, then deep focus imaging can be achieved, but user knowledge and skill are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeep focus imaging capabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera body automatically calculates the hyperfocal length and determines the focus lens position based on lens information (focal length, aperture value) acquired through communication with the interchangeable lens. The system self-adjusts the focus lens to the calculated position without requiring manual user input or special knowledge, making the deep focus setting process automatic and user-friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automatic deep focus setting is implemented in lens integrated type apparatus, then automated setting is achieved, but the solution does not extend to lens interchangeable type systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic deep focus settingVSAvoidcompatibility with interchangeable lenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera body is designed to communicate with and acquire lens information from various types of interchangeable lenses through a standardized communication interface. This universal communication capability allows the automatic deep focus setting function to work with any interchangeable lens attached to the camera body, extending the automated setting capability from lens-integrated types to lens-interchangeable types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera body pre-calculates the hyperfocal length and determines the target focus lens position based on the acquired lens information before the user needs to capture the image. This preliminary calculation and preparation enable the focus lens to be automatically positioned at the correct deep focus setting when the user activates the function, making the process seamless across different lens types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11696026B2Control apparatus and method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 CANON KK

AI summary

A control apparatus includes a first acquiring unit configured to acquire a hyperfocal length of a lens apparatus that is attachable to, detachable from, and communicable with an image pickup apparatus, using information acquired by communication between the lens apparatus and the image pickup apparatus, and a second acquiring unit configured to acquire a position of a focus lens in the lens apparatus according to the hyperfocal length.