Imaging Apparatus with Distance Images for Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies do not effectively allow users to easily visually recognize the distance of a subject, making it difficult to adjust focus and depth of field accurately.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that generates moving image data and distance image data, with one axis representing the image and the other axis representing distance information, allowing users to visually recognize and adjust focus and depth of field through interactive marks and controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional imaging methods are used, then the imaging apparatus can capture images, but users cannot easily visually recognize the distance of subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distance dimension to the traditional two-dimensional image by generating distance image data that maps distance information onto the image plane. This creates a three-dimensional representation where users can visually perceive depth and distance relationships, directly addressing the loss of distance information while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses distance image data as an intermediary between the raw imaging data and the user's focus adjustment operation. This intermediary layer translates complex distance measurements into visual representations that users can easily interpret, bridging the gap between technical distance information and user-friendly operation.
2Loss of information
If distance information is added to the image, then users can visually recognize distance, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging apparatus into functional modules: an imaging unit that captures images, a distance measurement unit that extracts distance information, and a display unit that presents both types of data. This segmentation allows each module to process specific tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional imaging apparatus that can perform traditional imaging, distance measurement, and distance visualization simultaneously. By making the system universal, the patent avoids the need for separate devices for each function, thereby reducing overall complexity despite adding distance information capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If distance image data is generated and displayed, then focus adjustment becomes easier, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs distance measurement and distance image data generation in advance during the imaging process, rather than waiting for focus adjustment operations. This preliminary action ensures that distance information is ready when needed, reducing processing time during actual focus adjustment while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent continuously generates and updates distance image data as the imaging apparatus captures images, ensuring that distance information is always available for focus adjustment. This continuous processing eliminates gaps in information availability and reduces overall processing time by avoiding repeated calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging apparatus including an image sensor, and a processor, in which the processor is configured to acquire information related to distances at a plurality of positions within an imaging area of the image sensor, generate moving image data represented with a vertical axis and a lateral axis, based on imaging data obtained by the image sensor, generate distance image data in which a first axis corresponds to the vertical axis or the lateral axis and a second axis represents the information related to the distance, and output the moving image data and the distance image data.