Focus Control Apparatus Adaptive Autofocus Manual Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses, such as mirrorless cameras, face issues with unstable focus and unintended subject focusing due to automatic switching to autofocus when the defocus amount is small, leading to inconsistent focus detection results.
Innovation Solution
A focus control apparatus and method that includes a processor-based system to acquire operation information from a focus lens operation member, detect subjects using an image sensor, and selectively choose between autofocus and manual focus adjustment based on subject movement and user operation, ensuring focus adjustment aligns with user intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic switching to autofocus is implemented when defocus amount is small, then focus detection capability is improved, but focus stability deteriorates and unintended subject focusing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the defocus amount and user operation state, then dynamically adjusting the focus control mode. The control unit receives feedback about whether the subject is moving and whether the user is actively operating the focus lens, using this information to switch between autofocus and manual focus modes appropriately, thereby maintaining focus stability while preserving detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus control mode flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The system can dynamically switch between autofocus mode (when subject is stationary and detection is needed) and manual focus mode (when subject is moving or user is operating), allowing the focus control apparatus to adapt to changing shooting conditions and maintain reliability.
2Speed
If autofocus is automatically activated when defocus amount is small, then focusing speed is improved, but focus accuracy deteriorates due to unintended subject focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback about the defocus amount and user operation state. When the user is actively operating the focus lens (indicated by operation information), the system switches to manual focus mode, preventing unintended subject focusing while preserving fast autofocus operation when the user is not interfering.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus control mode is made dynamic and context-dependent. The system automatically selects between autofocus and manual focus based on real-time detection of subject movement and user operation, ensuring that autofocus is used only when appropriate to maintain both speed and accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual focus operation is used, then focus control precision is improved, but focusing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between manual focus mode (when high precision is needed and user is operating) and autofocus mode (when speed is needed and subject is stationary), allowing the operator to benefit from both precise manual control and fast automatic focusing depending on the shooting situation.
Data Source
AI summary
A focus control apparatus comprising an acquisition unit that acquires operation information of an operation member for operating a focus lens; a detection unit that detects a subject based on an image signal obtained from an image sensor; and a control unit that selects a first focus adjustment unit that performs autofocus adjustment based on the image signal or a second focus adjustment unit that performs manual focus adjustment based on operation of the operation member. The control unit selects the first focus adjustment unit or the second focus adjustment unit based on movement of the subject and the operation information.