Camera Module Dual Frame Rate Focusing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices, such as cameras, face challenges in achieving precise focusing quickly due to time-consuming auto-focus processes, which can result in missed moments during photography.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device with a camera module, first and second pixel extraction interfaces, and a focus controller that acquires images at different frame rates, determines depth information from the higher frame rate image, and adjusts the lens position accordingly to achieve fast and accurate focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If auto-focus function is used to adjust focal length through repeated adjustments, then focusing precision is improved, but focusing time increases and may cause loss of precious moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing a preliminary image at a higher frame rate before the main image capture. This preliminary image is used to determine depth information and calculate the optimal focal length in advance, so that when the main image is captured, the lens is already positioned at the correct focus point, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments during the actual shooting moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary process where a preliminary image at high frame rate serves as a mediator between the scene and the final captured image. This intermediary image provides depth information that guides the focusing mechanism, allowing the system to determine the optimal focal length without relying on slow repeated adjustments of the main imaging process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple repeated adjustments are performed to obtain appropriate focal length, then image clearness is improved, but the number of adjustments increases processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary focusing calculations using a high-frame-rate preliminary image before the actual image capture. The depth information extracted from this preliminary image allows the system to pre-determine the optimal focal length, so that when the main image is captured, the lens is already at the correct position, achieving both image clearness and fast capture speed without repeated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image capture process into two distinct phases: a preliminary phase where a high-frame-rate image is captured solely for depth information extraction, and a main phase where the actual image is captured with the lens already positioned optimally. This segmentation allows the system to use the preliminary phase for focusing calculations without affecting the quality or speed of the main image capture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a camera module, first and second pixel extraction interfaces, an image processing module, and a focus controller. The camera module includes a lens, a sensor aligned with the lens along a direction, and a focus actuator connected to the lens. The first and the second pixel extraction interfaces are connected to the sensor to acquire a first image at a first frame rate and a second image at a second frame rate, respectively; the second frame rate is greater than the first frame rate. The image processing module determines depth information according to the second image, receives the first image and outputs a corresponding image file. The focus controller is connected between the image processing module and the focus actuator to drive the focus actuator according to the depth information and to adjust a relative distance between the sensor and the lens.