Consumer Device Autofocus With Curve-Fit Lens Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adjusting the focal length of lenses in optical systems require mechanical components that are time-consuming, limiting the speed and efficiency of focusing.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a curve fitting method, such as a polynomial model, to associate through focus data with lens positions, enabling quick and accurate focusing by determining the optimal lens position based on spatial frequency response scores or variance of Laplacian images, reducing the need for multiple adjustment steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional mechanical methods are used to adjust focal length, then the lens can be focused, but the focusing process is time-consuming and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical focusing methods with a computational approach. A curve fitting method (polynomial model) is used to associate through-focus data with lens positions, allowing the system to calculate the optimal lens position mathematically rather than mechanically searching through positions. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with computational calculation dramatically reduces focusing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the lens system by capturing through-focus data at multiple lens positions and fitting a polynomial curve to this data. This preliminary modeling allows the system to predict the optimal focus position for any given scene without having to mechanically search through all possible positions, thereby reducing the actual focusing time when a picture is taken.
2Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment steps are used to achieve accurate focus, then focusing precision is improved, but the number of mechanical movements and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical adjustment steps with a single computational solution. By fitting a polynomial curve to through-focus data, the system can directly calculate the optimal lens position in one step rather than iteratively adjusting the lens multiple times. This reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving focusing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model (polynomial curve) that copies or represents the relationship between lens position and focus quality. This mathematical copy allows the system to determine the optimal focus position through calculation rather than physical trial and error, reducing the need for multiple mechanical adjustment steps while preserving focusing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a curve fit to through focus data for a lens. The method involves capturing an image with the lens and determining, based on the curve fit, a measurement associated with the image and an associated lens position of the lens. The method additionally includes adjusting the lens position based on the measurement.