Focus Bracketing Imaging Apparatus with Dual Capture Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focus bracketing techniques are inefficient in generating focus stacking images quickly, as they require capturing multiple images at different in-focus positions, prolonging the time before a focus stacking image is displayed, and do not consider the relation between display and photographing techniques.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that combines images captured using two different photographing methods: one method acquires images while keeping the focus lens drive constant, and the other method stops the focus lens at different positions, allowing for faster image capture and display of focus stacking images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple images are captured at different in-focus positions using traditional focus bracketing, then focus stacking image can be generated, but the time required to generate and display the image is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images at multiple in-focus positions in advance during a first photographing method phase, then combines these pre-captured images to generate the focus stacking image before the user needs to view it. This allows the time-consuming image capture and processing to be completed beforehand, reducing the delay between when the user initiates the process and when the result is displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two photographing methods: a first method that captures images while keeping the focus lens drive constant (for speed), and a second method that stops the focus lens at different positions (for precision). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between capture speed and focus accuracy based on the specific photographing conditions and user needs.
2Measurement precision
If the focus lens is stopped at different positions to capture images, then focus accuracy is improved, but the photographing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The photographing process is segmented into two distinct methods: the first photographing method captures images quickly while the focus lens drive remains constant, and the second photographing method captures images with the focus lens stopped at specific positions for higher accuracy. By segmenting the process this way, the system can leverage the speed advantage of the first method for most captures while using the second method only when additional focus accuracy is required, thus balancing time and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the focus lens drive parameter between the two photographing methods: in the first method, the focus lens drive is kept constant to enable rapid image capture, while in the second method, the focus lens is stopped at different positions to improve focus accuracy. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between speed and precision modes based on the photographing requirements.
3Productivity
If images are captured without stopping the focus lens motion, then photographing speed is increased, but focus stacking quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture process is divided into two segments: the first photographing method captures images at high speed while the focus lens drive remains constant, and the second photographing method captures images with the focus lens stopped at different positions for better focus stacking quality. This segmentation allows the system to use the high-speed first method for most captures while resorting to the quality-focused second method only when necessary, thus maintaining overall productivity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using the second photographing method (with stopped focus lens) only partially rather than always. The first photographing method with constant focus lens drive is used for the majority of image captures to maintain high speed, while the second method is applied selectively when additional focus accuracy is needed, avoiding the excessive time consumption of always using the more precise but slower method.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one memory configured to store instructions, at least one processor in communication with the at least one memory and configured to execute the instructions to receive a photographing instruction, and an optical system configured to perform a first photographing method before reception of the photographing instruction, and a second photographing method after reception of the photographing instruction. The at least one processor further executes instructions to combine a plurality of first images at different in-focus positions captured by using the first photographing method with a plurality of second images at different in-focus positions captured by using the second photographing method. The optical system performs readout an image sensor, while keeping the drive of a focus lens, in the first photographing method, and stops the focus lens at different positions in the second photographing method.