Defocus Amount Calculation for Designated Image Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems require arduous manual adjustments for defocus correction, as photographers must repeatedly set and confirm correction values, and lack a means to provide accurate defocus information for focus detection, especially in complex shooting scenarios where the intended focus area differs from the camera's focus position.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a focus detector, memory, setting unit, and display unit that calculates and displays the defocus amount of a designated area using image signals from focus detection pixels, allowing precise and simplified defocus information provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual defocus correction is performed by repeatedly setting and confirming correction values, then defocus amount can be adjusted, but the manipulation becomes arduous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates and displays the defocus amount of a designated area using image signals from focus detection pixels, eliminating the need for manual repeated adjustments. The defocus amount is computed self-service by the processing apparatus based on the captured image data, providing both precision and ease of operation.
2Extent of automation
If autofocus is set to focus on the photographer's focus position (e.g., helmet), then the camera can automatically focus, but the actual intended focus area (e.g., eye) may be defocused
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the defocus amount specifically for the designated area (e.g., eye region) rather than providing a general focus status. By locally analyzing the defocus state of the specific area of interest using image signals from focus detection pixels, the system provides accurate focus information for the intended subject even when the overall autofocus is set to a different position.
3Device complexity
If defocus correction is performed without providing defocus information, then the system remains simple, but accurate focus detection cannot be provided for complex shooting scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The processing apparatus acts as an intermediary that automatically calculates and provides defocus amount information for the designated area using image signals from focus detection pixels. This intermediary function delivers accurate defocus information without requiring complex manual intervention, maintaining system simplicity while providing necessary focus detection data for complex shooting scenes.
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 precise and efficient defocus amount calculation and display, reducing the complexity of manual adjustments and improving focus accuracy by providing real-time defocus information for the photographer.
Implementation Method 1
a focus detector configured to detect a focus state of a focus detection area by detecting a shift amount between a pair of image signals of an object image
Implementation Method 2
a memory configured to store an image photoelectrically converted and output from an image pickup device
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a focus detector configured to detect a focus state of a focus detection area by detecting a shift amount between a pair of image signals of an object image, a memory configured to store an image photoelectrically converted and output from an image pickup device, the focus detection area, and the image signals, a setting unit configured to set a designated area in the image stored in the memory, a calculating unit configured to calculate a defocus amount of the designated area using the pair of image signals corresponding to the designated area among the image signals stored by the memory, and a display unit configured to display the defocus amount of the designated area.