Dynamic Focus Detection Range Adjustment for Moving Subject Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
During continuous shooting operations in image capturing apparatuses, the focus detection calculation period becomes longer than during shooting preparation, making it easier for moving subjects to be excluded from the focus detection range, as the frame rate slows from 120 fps to 10 fps, affecting focus tracking accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The focus detection range is set to be broader during continuous shooting operations compared to shooting preparation, and focus adjustments are made based on a close-range ratio of focus detection frames to ensure accurate tracking of moving subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the output image frame rate is reduced from 120 fps to 10 fps during continuous shooting operation, then the focus detection calculation period becomes longer, but this makes it easier for moving subjects to be excluded from the focus detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The focus detection calculation range is dynamically changed based on the operation state. During continuous shooting operation, the range is expanded to ensure moving subjects remain within the detection area, while during shooting preparation operation, the range is narrower. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the detection parameters to the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus detection calculation range parameter is changed according to the operation state. By expanding the range during continuous shooting when frame rate is reduced, the system maintains focus tracking accuracy despite the longer calculation period, while using a narrower range during preparation when frame rate is higher.
2Measurement precision
If the focus detection calculation range is narrowed to improve precision, then focus detection precision is improved, but moving subjects may be excluded from the detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The focus detection calculation range is dynamically adjusted based on operation state. During continuous shooting, the range is expanded to accommodate moving subjects, while during shooting preparation, the range is narrowed to maximize precision. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for the appropriate metric depending on the context.
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 maintains focus tracking accuracy by extending the focus detection calculation period during continuous shooting, preventing moving subjects from being excluded from the focus detection range, even at lower frame rates.
Implementation Method 1
a focus detection image signal, for which light that has passed through regions with different exit pupils of an imaging optical system has been photoelectrically converted
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor configured to be able to output an image capturing signal and a focus detection image signal, a focus detection unit configured to set, on a screen of the image sensor, a focus detection range, and to perform focus detection, in each of a plurality of focus detection frames in the focus detection range, and a focus adjustment unit configured to perform a focus adjustment, during a shooting preparation operation and a shooting operation, based on an output of the focus detection unit, for tracking a subject, wherein the focus detection unit makes the focus detection range during the shooting operation broader than the focus detection range during shooting preparation operation.