Edge Extraction for Focus Detection in Digital Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices for digital cameras and camera-equipped devices are unable to accurately detect the focusing status, including the position of focus, in photographic images.
Innovation Solution
A focusing information visualization device that extracts edges from photographic images based on luminance information using a Sobel filter and outputs focusing information in a visually recognizable manner on a screen, allowing users to check the focusing status effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If edge extraction based on luminance information is performed to detect focus position, then measurement precision of focusing status is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential luminance information from the image data to detect edges and determine focus status. By selectively extracting relevant features (luminance gradients at edges) rather than processing the entire image, the system achieves accurate focus detection while minimizing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary edge detection and luminance analysis before final focus judgment. By pre-identifying edge positions and luminance characteristics, the device prepares focus-relevant information in advance, enabling accurate focus detection without requiring complex real-time processing of all image data.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive focusing information is displayed on screen, then information completeness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different display qualities to different regions of the screen based on focus status. The in-focus areas are displayed with full detail and color, while out-of-focus areas are displayed with reduced detail or different visual characteristics. This allows comprehensive focus information to be conveyed while maintaining visual clarity and ease of interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color variations to encode focus status information. Different colors or color intensities indicate different focus states, allowing users to quickly comprehend focusing information without analyzing complex numerical data or dense visual displays.
3Measurement precision
If edge extraction with preset focusing conditions is performed, then measurement precision of focus position is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The edge extraction module performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects edges, determines luminance information, identifies focus status, and provides data for display generation. By making this single module multi-functional, the system achieves accurate focus position detection without requiring separate processing steps for each function, thereby reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines edge detection, luminance analysis, and focus judgment into an integrated processing flow. By merging these previously separate operations into a unified process, the system achieves precise focus measurement while minimizing the time required for processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The focusing information visualization system of the invention extracts an edge having an edge intensity of not less than a first reference value Th1 and an edge width of not greater than a second reference value Th2 in a photographic image and displays the extracted edge in a preset color at a position of the edge extraction to be overlapped with the original photographic image on a screen. A focused area defined by the extracted edge is displayed as N divisional areas. In response to a user's operational specification of one divisional area among the N divisional areas, an enlarged photographic image corresponding to the specified divisional area at a desired magnification ratio is displayed on the screen. This arrangement adopts the automatic rough judgment and the user's final visual check to accurately recognize the focusing status of the photographic image.