Deformable Image Sensor Staggered Sub-Area Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contrast detection focusing technologies in photography devices require multiple iterations to achieve focus, resulting in slow focusing speeds due to the inability to accurately determine the in-focus depth position without missing it multiple times.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a deformable image sensor to create a staggered relative position relationship between imaging sub-areas along the depth direction, allowing for improved determination and adjustment of the focusing state based on contrast data trends, thereby reducing the number of adjustments needed to achieve focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If contrast detection focusing technology is used to determine focus depth position, then the focusing function can be achieved, but the focusing speed is slow due to multiple iterations required
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple imaging sub-areas with different depth positions. By segmenting the imaging plane into sub-areas that correspond to different depth ranges, the system can simultaneously capture contrast information from multiple depths, eliminating the need for iterative single-depth sampling and significantly reducing focusing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging imaging sub-areas at different depth positions along the depth direction. This transforms the traditional single-depth contrast detection into a multi-depth parallel detection system, where contrast data from multiple depths are compared to directly determine the in-focus position without iteration.
2Reliability
If the imaging plane position is adjusted multiple times to achieve focus, then the focusing function is achieved, but the complexity of the focusing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple imaging sub-areas at different depth positions before the focusing process begins. This allows the system to directly compare contrast data from multiple predetermined depths and determine the in-focus position in a single step, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments and simplifying the control process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional contrast detection method is used, then the focusing can be achieved, but the number of adjustments needed is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single image sensor by integrating multiple imaging sub-areas with different depth positions. This allows simultaneous capture of contrast information from multiple depths in one exposure, combining the advantages of multi-point detection while maintaining high measurement precision and significantly improving focusing efficiency.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and speed of focusing by determining the focusing state and adjusting parameters more effectively, potentially achieving focus in fewer iterations and ensuring the imaging plane aligns closer to the target in-focus depth position.
Implementation Method 1
controlling deformation of an image sensor so that reference points of at least two imaging sub-areas of the image sensor after the deformation form a first relative position relationship in a staggered arrangement along a depth direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses various focusing methods and apparatuses, and various photographing devices. The focusing method includes: controlling deformation of an image sensor so that reference points of at least two imaging sub-areas of the image sensor after the deformation form a first relative position relationship in a staggered arrangement along a depth direction; acquiring contrast data of a sampling image of an object in the at least two imaging sub-areas; and determining and/or adjusting, according to at least the first relative position relationship and the contrast data, a focusing state of the image sensor. The present application can improve a speed and/or accuracy for determining and/or adjusting the focusing state of the image sensor.