Focus Control Apparatus Dynamic Range Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate autofocus for a variety of moving objects, particularly those that change velocity or direction suddenly, as they can only adjust focus settings within a limited user-settable range.
Innovation Solution
A focus control apparatus with a focus detection unit and control unit that allows for both manual and automatic setting of focus values, enabling the selection of a wider setting range in automatic mode to adapt to changing motion characteristics of moving objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the setting value range is limited to what users can manually set, then the device is easy to operate, but the autofocus cannot adapt to sudden changes in moving object velocity or direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the setting value range based on detected motion characteristics. The control unit automatically expands the setting value range beyond manual limits when motion changes are detected, allowing the autofocus to adapt to sudden velocity or direction changes while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter range (setting value range) dynamically based on motion detection results. When motion characteristics indicate sudden changes, the system expands the setting value range beyond what users can manually set, enabling adaptation to various moving object scenarios without requiring users to understand or adjust complex parameters.
2Reliability
If the setting value is automatically changed within a limited manual range, then the device remains simple to operate, but the autofocus fails for objects with sudden motion changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from motion detection results to automatically adjust the setting value. The control unit continuously monitors motion characteristics and adjusts the focus setting value accordingly, expanding beyond manual limits when needed. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable autofocus for varying motion while keeping the device operationally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the setting value based on detected motion characteristics. The control unit automatically determines appropriate setting values beyond manual ranges without user intervention, making the system self-sufficient in handling varying motion scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed setting value is used, then the device is simple to control, but it cannot provide good autofocus for diverse moving objects with different motion patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed setting value into a dynamic one that adapts to different motion patterns. The control unit adjusts the setting value based on detected motion characteristics such as velocity changes and direction changes, enabling the system to handle diverse moving objects including those that move monotonously, suddenly start or stop, or move significantly in vertical and horizontal directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focus setting value parameter dynamically based on motion detection. By expanding the setting value range beyond manual limits and automatically selecting appropriate values based on motion characteristics, the system achieves versatility across different moving object types while managing complexity through automated parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A focus control apparatus includes a focus detection unit configured to detect a focus state, and a control unit configured to performing a focusing operation in accordance with the focus state and a setting value relating to the focusing operation. The control unit is configured to select a first state that allows user setting of the setting value and a second state that automatically sets the setting value according to the focus state. The control unit sets the setting value in a first setting range that is a range of the setting value that can be set by the user in the first state, and sets the setting value in a second setting range that is wider than the first setting range in the second state.