Digital Camera Composite Image Generation via Sub-Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital cameras with manual focusing and focal length variation require complex mechanisms for precise alignment, leading to high manufacturing tolerances and time-consuming assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera design that includes a main imaging unit, sub-imaging unit, focal length acquiring unit, magnification setting unit, composite image generating unit, and image display unit, allowing for the generation of a composite image by combining and adjusting main and sub-images using a simple mechanism, with the focal length and magnification rules stored in the camera's memory for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a double-image matching range finder with half mirror and rotating range finder optical system is used, then precise alignment and focus confirmation are achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating range finder optical system with a digital image processing system. The sub-lens captures an image of the subject, and the focal length acquiring unit determines the focal length from this image. The magnification setting unit then calculates the appropriate magnification level, and the composite image generating unit creates the final composite image. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical rotation and alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sub-lens to capture a copy image of the subject at a different focal length. This copy image is then processed digitally to determine focus status and generate the composite image. Instead of using a physical rotating optical system that requires precise mechanical copying, the system creates a digital copy through image processing, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a complex mechanism with high precision requirements is used for range finder alignment, then accurate focus confirmation is achieved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical assembly and adjustment procedures with automated digital image processing. The focal length acquiring unit automatically determines the focal length from the sub-image, and the magnification setting unit automatically calculates the required magnification level. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment during assembly, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining accurate focus confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated image processing. The focal length acquiring unit and magnification setting unit automatically determine the appropriate parameters without requiring manual intervention or adjustment during assembly. The composite image generating unit automatically creates the final image with correct magnification and alignment, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating time-consuming assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If manual focusing operation is implemented, then focus control is achieved, but the mechanism requires precise rotation coupling which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation coupling mechanism with a digital image processing system. The sub-lens captures images at different focal lengths, and the focal length acquiring unit determines the focal length parameter from these images. The magnification setting unit then calculates the appropriate magnification level, and the composite image generating unit creates the final composite image. This substitution maintains manual focusing control while eliminating complex mechanical rotation coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital image copying instead of mechanical rotation coupling. The sub-lens captures a copy image of the subject, and this digital copy is processed to determine focus status and generate the composite image. The system creates a digital representation of the focusing mechanism through image processing, eliminating the need for precise mechanical rotation coupling while maintaining ease of operation.
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 the generation of a composite image with precise alignment and focus confirmation through a simple mechanism, reducing the complexity and time required for assembly and adjustment, and allowing users to easily correct the magnification rule for accurate image representation.
Implementation Method 1
a main imaging unit configured to generate a main image by performing a photoelectric conversion from a subject obtained via the main lens
Implementation Method 2
a sub-imaging unit configured to generate a sub-image by performing a photoelectric conversion from the subject obtained via a sub-lens
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera is provided with a focusing function and a focal length varying function of a main lens. The digital camera includes a main imaging unit configured to generate a main image by performing a photoelectric conversion from a subject obtained via the main lens, a sub-imaging unit configured to generate a sub-image by performing a photoelectric conversion from the subject obtained via a sub-lens, a focal length acquiring unit configured to acquire the focal length of the main lens, a magnification setting unit configured to set a level of magnification on the basis of the focal length, a composite image generating unit configured to generate a composite image by combining the main image and the sub-image, after at least one of the main image and the sub-image is magnified at the level of magnification, and an image display unit configured to display the composite image.