Focus Control Apparatus Using 2D Focal Distance Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
4K high-definition cameras with large imaging surfaces and 35mm lenses face challenges in maintaining focus due to low depth of field, leading to varying focus issues across different image positions and camera angles.
Innovation Solution
A focus control apparatus that utilizes a 2-dimensional map of focal distances to acquire and apply focal distance information for precise focus control, allowing for automatic focus adjustment and additional adjustments based on user input, reducing the need for manual focus adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 35mm sensor with a large imaging surface and 35mm lens are used in a 4K high-definition camera, then high image quality is achieved, but the depth of field becomes low causing focus variation across different image positions
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging screen is divided into multiple regions (first region and second region) with different focus control priorities. The first region corresponds to positions that are difficult to focus sharply, while the second region corresponds to positions that can be focused sharply. This segmentation allows differential focus control strategies to be applied to different areas, resolving the focus consistency issue while maintaining overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different focus control methods are applied to different regions of the imaging screen. The focus control unit performs focus control based on focal distance information for the first region, while allowing focus variation in the second region. This local differentiation ensures that critical areas maintain sharp focus while non-critical areas can tolerate focus variation, thus maintaining overall focus consistency where it matters most.
2Measurement precision
If manual focus adjustment is performed for each position to achieve sharp focus, then focus precision is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The focus control unit automatically performs focus control based on predetermined focal distance information stored in the storage unit. The system self-adjusts the focus without requiring manual intervention for each position, achieving sharp focus automatically while maintaining operational simplicity. The focal distance information is automatically acquired and stored, eliminating the need for repeated manual focus adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
Focal distance information for multiple positions is acquired and stored in advance in the storage unit before actual imaging operations. This preliminary preparation allows the focus control unit to quickly retrieve and apply the appropriate focal distance information during imaging, achieving precise focus control without time-consuming manual adjustments for each position.
3Ease of operation
If focal distance information is acquired for all positions to enable automatic focus control, then ease of operation is improved, but information storage requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging screen into multiple regions and stores focal distance information specifically for the first region that is difficult to focus sharply. This segmented approach reduces the total amount of focal distance information that needs to be stored and processed, thereby reducing system complexity while still enabling effective automatic focus control where it is most needed.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a focus control apparatus including: an information acquisition unit that acquires focal distance information of a predetermined position on a 2-dimensional map using the 2-dimensional map of focal distances; and a focus control unit that performs focus control based on the focal distance information which is acquired by the information acquisition unit.