Focal Plane Tilt Control for Tracking Moving Objects in Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face difficulties in maintaining focus on moving objects, particularly when using a tilt effect to keep multiple objects in focus simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that detects feature points from image data, acquires distance information, and adjusts the tilt amount of the focal plane in the optical system based on these points to maintain focus on moving objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the focus lens is driven according to the distance of a moving object, then the moving object can be kept in focus, but it is difficult to keep the moving object in focus when using a tilt effect for multiple objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the tilt amount of the focal plane based on real-time detection of feature points and their distance changes. The control unit continuously monitors object positions and modifies the tilt angle accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to moving objects while maintaining focus. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between single-object tracking and multi-object tilt-based focus as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by detecting feature points in captured images, calculating their distances, and using this information to adjust the tilt amount. The control unit receives feedback about object positions and continuously refines the focal plane tilt to maintain focus on moving objects or multiple objects, thereby resolving the focus maintenance issue while preserving multi-object capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tilt effect is used to keep multiple objects in focus simultaneously, then multiple objects can be in focus, but it becomes difficult to track and maintain focus on a single moving object
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between tilt-based multi-object focus and single-object tracking modes based on the movement characteristics detected. When a single moving object is detected, the system adjusts the tilt amount minimally while prioritizing that object's focus. When multiple objects are present, the tilt effect is activated. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying different focus strategies to different regions or objects in the scene. The control unit identifies which objects require precise single-object tracking versus which can be covered by the general tilt effect. This selective application allows the system to maintain high measurement precision for tracked objects while preserving multi-object focus capability through the tilt effect.
3Reliability
If the tilt amount of the focal plane is changed dynamically based on feature point detection, then focus can be maintained on moving objects, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it detects feature points, calculates distances, determines object movement, and controls the tilt amount all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving reliable focus maintenance through dynamic tilt adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the image data captured by the imaging device itself to detect feature points and calculate distances, rather than requiring external sensors or separate detection systems. The control unit processes the captured images to generate the tilt adjustment commands, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliable focus on moving objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes a memory storing instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to detect a plurality of feature points about an object from image data obtained by imaging, acquire information about distances to the plurality of feature points, and control driving of a movable lens so that a tilt amount of a focal plane in an optical system changes, according to a change in at least one of the information about the distances and a position of one of the plurality of feature points within an imaging area.