Dual Lens Camera Autofocus Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital cameras face challenges in achieving rapid and precise autofocus, especially during video capture, due to the limitations of existing autofocus systems such as rangefinder-based and through-the-lens methods, which can result in significant shutter delay and inaccuracies caused by environmental changes and the need for multiple autofocus images.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera design utilizing multiple image capture stages with different lenses and sensors, where one stage is used for autofocus and the other for capturing images, allowing for simultaneous use of both stages to enhance focusing capabilities and image quality without increasing camera size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a rangefinder-based autofocus system is used, then focusing speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental changes and calibration drift
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system divides the imaging function into two separate imaging stages: one dedicated to autofocus measurement and another for final image capture. This segmentation allows the autofocus stage to operate independently for rapid focus detection while the imaging stage maintains optimal quality, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision by assigning different functional roles to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary autofocus imaging stage that acts as a mediator between the scene and the final image sensor. This intermediate stage performs the rapid focus measurement function, allowing the main imaging stage to focus on capturing high-quality images without being constrained by autofocus speed limitations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple autofocus images are captured to improve focus accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to shutter delay
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the camera into two imaging stages, the system can capture autofocus images from the first stage simultaneously with the final image from the second stage. This eliminates the need for sequential multiple captures, reducing shutter delay while maintaining focus accuracy through the dedicated autofocus stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The autofocus imaging stage performs focus measurement in advance and continuously, so when the shutter is pressed, the focus is already determined. This preliminary focus determination eliminates the time loss associated with capturing multiple images to assess focus accuracy at the moment of capture.
3Ease of operation
If a dual lens system is used for autofocus, then device complexity increases, but ease of operation improves through simultaneous autofocus and image capture
Solution Approach 1:
Both imaging stages use identical lens and sensor configurations, making each stage universally capable of both autofocus measurement and image capture. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform autofocus and imaging with the same hardware design, reducing overall complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the dual lens system by having both stages capture images simultaneously at the same focus setting, rather than using one stage exclusively for autofocus measurement. This parameter change simplifies the system operation while maintaining accurate autofocus capability.
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 enables precise and rapid autofocus in both still and video modes, reducing the number of out-of-focus frames and improving overall imaging capability by using secondary images for focus adjustment and dynamic range modification.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output
Implementation Method 3
a second lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor
Implementation Method 4
a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic camera for producing an output image of a scene from a captured image signal includes a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output and a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor, and a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output and a second lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor. The sensor output from the first imaging stage is used as a primary output image for forming the captured image signal and the sensor output from the second imaging stage is used as a secondary output image for modifying the primary output image, thereby generating an enhanced, captured image signal.