Eye Proximity Sensor Autofocus for Viewfinder Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses with autofocus functions require manual operation to initiate and maintain focus, which can be inconvenient for users, especially when trying to quickly capture images.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus equipped with an eye proximity sensor that automatically performs autofocus operations when the user brings their eye close to the viewfinder and locks the focus lens until a predetermined condition is met, allowing for instant focus without manual button presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is required to initiate and maintain focus, then the device structure remains simple, but user convenience and shooting speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs autofocus automatically without requiring manual user intervention. The proximity sensor detects when the user's eye is near the viewfinder and triggers the focus lens to autonomously focus on the subject, eliminating the need for manual focus adjustment while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs focus detection and adjustment in advance before the user needs to capture an image. When the proximity sensor detects eye proximity, the controller automatically initiates autofocus operation, so that when the user presses the shutter button, the focus is already established, improving shooting speed and convenience
2Speed
If automatic focus operation is implemented upon proximity detection, then focus acquisition speed improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs focus detection and lens adjustment in advance when the proximity sensor detects eye proximity, before the user needs to capture an image. This preliminary autofocus operation ensures that when the shutter is pressed, the focus is already established, achieving rapid focus acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor provides continuous feedback about the user's eye proximity to the controller, which automatically adjusts the focus lens position in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to user conditions and maintain fast focus acquisition without excessive complexity
3Productivity
If focus lens position is fixed after autofocus completion, then shooting speed improves, but adaptability to changing focus needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the focus lens position based on real-time proximity sensor detection. When the user's eye remains close to the viewfinder, the focus lens maintains a fixed position for fast shooting. When eye proximity is lost, the system automatically re-initiates focus detection, providing adaptability to changing conditions while maintaining high shooting speed
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus including an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a subject to output image data, an optical system that includes a focus lens and is configured to form an image of the subject on the imaging unit, a finder that allows a user to view the subject, a proximity sensor configured to sense proximity of an object to the finder, and a controller configured to perform a focus operation to drive the focus lens to focus on the image of the subject when the proximity sensor senses proximity of an object, and fix the position of the focus lens after completion of the focus operation until a predetermined condition is satisfied.