Distance-Based Focus Selection in Multi-Region Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in efficiently focusing on a subject of interest while maintaining a well-balanced release and focusing process.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a selection method and imaging apparatus that image a subject across multiple candidate regions, calculate distances for subjects within these regions, specify a specific region based on distance conditions, and select the in-focus subject based on a ratio of the specific region to the total regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging apparatus uses traditional autofocus methods focusing on central or predetermined regions, then the focusing process is simple and fast, but it cannot accurately focus on the subject that the user is actually interested in when multiple subjects are present
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus divides the imaging region into multiple candidate regions (first region and second regions) and performs distance calculations for each region separately. This segmentation allows the system to evaluate multiple subjects across different regions and select the most appropriate focus target based on user interest probability, thereby improving focus accuracy without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines the focus target by calculating distance information for multiple candidate regions and selecting the subject with the highest probability of user interest. This dynamic selection process adapts to different shooting scenarios automatically, improving focus accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through software-based decision making
2Measurement precision
If the imaging apparatus performs distance calculations for multiple candidate regions to determine user interest, then focus accuracy on the subject of interest improves, but the processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs distance calculations for all candidate regions in advance before final focus determination. By pre-calculating distance information for the first region and multiple second regions, the system prepares all necessary data beforehand, enabling rapid selection of the focus target without time-consuming sequential processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with computational methods. By using distance calculation algorithms and probability-based subject selection, the system achieves accurate focus determination through software processing rather than relying on complex mechanical feedback systems, reducing both time and operational complexity
3Productivity
If the imaging apparatus releases based on focus completion without considering ongoing focusing, then the release process is fast, but images may be captured before optimal focus is achieved when subject distance changes rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors distance information during the focusing process and uses this feedback to determine when optimal focus has been achieved. By comparing distance calculations from multiple candidate regions and tracking focus progression, the system can reliably determine the appropriate release timing, ensuring both shooting speed and focus reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The focus release determination is made dynamically based on real-time distance information and focus progression. The system adapts the release timing to the actual focusing state and subject distance changes, allowing fast release when focus is achieved while preventing premature release, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A selection method includes a first imaging step of imaging a subject included in a plurality of candidate regions including a first region and a plurality of second regions, a first calculation step of calculating a first distance, which is a distance of a first subject in the first region, and a plurality of second distances, which are distances of a plurality of second subjects in the plurality of second regions, a first specifying step of specifying a first specific region, which corresponds to the second distance satisfying a first condition, from among the plurality of second regions, and a first selection step of selecting a first in-focus subject, which is to be focused, from among the first subject and the second subject in the first specific region based on a first ratio which is a ratio of the first specific region to the plurality of second regions.