Focus Detection Area Division for Wide Range Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focus detection systems require an increased focus detection operation area and processing time to achieve focus over a wide image range, leading to inefficiencies in obtaining in-focus adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A focus detection apparatus that divides the focus detection area into multiple sub-areas based on different positional relations, allowing for wider range focus detection without increasing the operation area, using image data from a pupil division unit and generating drive signals for the optical system based on focus detection information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the focus detection operation area is increased to cover a wider image range, then the focus detection coverage is improved, but the data processing amount and circuit scale increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the focus detection area into multiple division areas (first division area and second division area) with different positional relations. By segmenting the detection area rather than using a single large area, the system achieves wide coverage while keeping each processed segment manageable, thus avoiding proportional increases in circuit scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of spatial arrangement by positioning division areas at different positional relations within the pixel array. This dimensional approach allows the system to cover a wider image range through strategic placement of multiple smaller detection areas rather than expanding a single detection area, thereby maintaining circuit complexity at acceptable levels.
2Area of stationary object
If the focus detection operation area is increased to cover a wider image range, then the focus detection coverage is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the focus detection area into multiple smaller division areas, the patent enables parallel or sequential processing of smaller data sets. This segmentation reduces the total processing time compared to handling one large area, as each division area can be processed independently and efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing correlation operations on specific division areas with different positional relations rather than processing the entire image area uniformly. This selective approach processes only the necessary portions of the image data, reducing overall processing time while maintaining effective wide-range focus detection coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If the focus detection operation area is increased to cover a wider image range, then the focus detection coverage is improved, but the amount of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the focus detection area into multiple division areas, which reduces the amount of data that needs to be processed simultaneously in each operation. By working with smaller segmented data sets from different positional relations rather than one large continuous area, the system manages data volume more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and processes image data from specific division areas with different positional relations separately. By taking out only the necessary data from each division area for correlation operations, the system avoids processing unnecessary data, thus reducing the total data amount that requires intensive processing while maintaining wide detection coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster in-focus adjustments by allowing focus detection over a wide image range without increasing the focus detection operation area or processing time, improving the efficiency of the autofocus function.
Implementation Method 1
a construction for receiving light which passes through different pupil planes of an imaging lens is used for a pixel of an imaging element, thereby performing a focus detection of a phase difference method simultaneously with an image pickup
Data Source
AI summary
A focus detection apparatus is arranged to obtain image data of an object obtained by an imaging unit having a pupil division unit of a photographing optical system for forming an optical image of the object, obtain setting information of a focus detection mode of the photographing optical system, set a focus detection area set into a pixel array area of the imaging unit, by dividing a predetermined area into a plurality of division areas in accordance with the focus detection mode and arranging the plurality of division areas in accordance with a different positional relation, form focus detection information by using the image data of the set focus detection area, and generate a drive signal of the photographing optical system on the basis of the focus detection information.