Digital Autofocus Using Full-Resolution Statistical Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital cameras face delays and inaccuracies in autofocusing due to the need to switch between low-resolution preview images and high-resolution images for focusing, leading to suboptimal user experience and image capture timing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing full-resolution image data to calculate statistical focus data, which is then combined with scaled-down image data for continuous and accurate autofocusing, allowing for instant image capture without delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the camera uses scaled down low-resolution image data for autofocusing during preview mode, then the processing speed and update rate of the preview display are improved, but the accuracy of image-based focusing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data processing into two separate streams: one for preview display (scaled down resolution) and one for focusing analysis (full resolution). The image sensor outputs both scaled down image data and full resolution image data simultaneously, allowing the preview to update rapidly while the focusing algorithm uses high-resolution data for accurate focus determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the full resolution image data serve dual purposes: it is used for both generating the preview display (after scaling) and for image-based autofocusing analysis. This eliminates the need for separate processing paths and ensures that the highest quality data is available for focusing while still providing a functional preview.
2Measurement precision
If the camera performs final focusing steps based on high-resolution image data, then the focusing accuracy is improved, but the time delay before image capture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs focusing analysis continuously in advance during preview mode using full resolution image data, so that when the user presses the capture button, the focusing is already optimized or can be quickly adjusted. This eliminates the need for time-consuming final focusing steps at the moment of capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous focusing analysis during preview mode by continuously processing full resolution image data, rather than stopping to perform discrete focusing steps. This continuous operation ensures that focusing is always up-to-date and minimizes interruption or delay when capture is initiated.
3Measurement precision
If the camera switches between low-resolution and high-resolution image modes, then the autofocusing accuracy is improved, but the operational complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the preview generation and focusing analysis functions by using the same full resolution image data source for both purposes. Instead of switching between different resolution modes, the system continuously processes full resolution data for focusing while simultaneously generating scaled down versions for preview, simplifying the overall data flow and processing architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
In digital imaging, in a case where the full resolution digital image needs to be scaled down before presenting it on a display, before the image is scaled down, statistical data is gathered from said the full resolution image data, whereby the gathered statistical data is attached to the image for further processing. The invention relates to a method, to a device, to an imaging module and to a computer program product.