Defocus Indicator Positioning in Hybrid Viewfinder Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital cameras with hybrid viewfinders, displaying defocus images for multiple detected main subject areas is challenging due to overlapping issues, making it difficult for photographers to visually perceive the focus shift accurately.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a focus adjustment operation section, main subject area detection, defocus image generation, and a display position control system that arranges defocus images optimally in the finder, ensuring they do not overlap with other main subject areas, using indicators that adjust distance based on defocus amount and position based on detection proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If defocus images are displayed for multiple detected main subject areas, then focus adjustment information is provided for multiple subjects, but the defocus images may overlap with other main subject areas making visual perception difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the defocus image display from a two-dimensional overlay on the subject area to a one-dimensional linear arrangement along an indicator line. This dimensional transformation allows multiple defocus images to be displayed without overlapping, as each defocus image is positioned at a specific location along the line based on its corresponding main subject area's position in the captured image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display of defocus images by creating separate indicator lines for different regions of the captured image. Each main subject area has its own dedicated indicator line and defocus image position, preventing overlap between defocus images from different subject areas. This segmentation approach allows multiple subjects to be focused on simultaneously without visual confusion.
2Measurement precision
If defocus images are displayed close to main subject areas, then spatial relationship is maintained, but overlap with other main subject areas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial relationship maintenance issue by projecting defocus images onto indicator lines that extend from the main subject areas. Instead of placing defocus images directly adjacent to subject areas (which causes overlap), the system uses linear indicators that maintain the spatial correspondence while preventing overlap through one-dimensional positioning along the line.
3Loss of information
If multiple defocus images are displayed in the finder, then focus information for multiple subjects is provided, but the display area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent efficiently utilizes finder display area by arranging defocus images along linear indicator lines rather than distributing them across two-dimensional space. This one-dimensional arrangement allows multiple defocus images to be displayed within a compact area, minimizing the space required while maintaining complete focus information for multiple subjects.
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 clear visual perception of focus shifts for multiple main subject areas by optimally positioning and spacing defocus images, improving focus adjustment accuracy in digital cameras.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that generates a normal image by performing photoelectric conversion on a subject image from the imaging optical system, and generates first and second imaging signals by performing photoelectric conversion on each of first and second rays which are formed by performing pupil division on the subject image
Data Source
AI summary
The digital camera includes a finder section, an imaging optical system, a focus ring, an imaging element, a main control section, a digital signal processing section, and a finder display control section. The imaging element outputs first and second imaging signals obtained by receiving the first and second rays formed by performing pupil division on the subject image. The main control section generates a defocus image, which indicates an amount of defocus of the imaging optical system, for each main subject area, on the basis of the first and second imaging signals obtained in the plurality of main subject areas. The finder display control section displays a defocus image of the single main subject area at a position where the main subject does not overlap with another main subject area.