Focus Detection Region Storage for Camera Operability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently setting and storing the position and size of focus detection regions, leading to suboptimal focus detection and user interface clutter when multiple focus detection modes are used, especially when the focus detection region needs to be moved or resized for different image capturing conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a focus detection unit, setting unit, and storage unit that allows for adjusting and storing the size and position of focus detection regions independently for each mode, enabling the focus detection regions to be grouped or changed as a single unit, and storing these settings for each mode to improve operability and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the focus detection region position and size are stored for each focus detection mode, then optimal focus detection can be achieved for different image capturing conditions, but the device complexity increases due to additional storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is segmented to store focus detection region information separately for each focus detection mode. This allows independent optimization of focus detection regions for different modes (e.g., center-weighted, spot, multi-point modes) without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction by organizing data in a mode-specific manner that improves reliability while managing complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different focus detection region settings are applied to different focus detection modes based on their specific requirements. Each mode receives tailored position and size parameters optimized for its particular image capturing condition, ensuring local optimality for each mode while the overall system manages complexity through this localized approach.
2Ease of operation
If multiple focus detection regions are displayed in the viewfinder frame, then the user can confirm the focus detection positions, but the viewfinder frame becomes cluttered and the object becomes difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The focus detection region information is extracted from the main viewfinder display and presented in a separate, dedicated display area. This allows the user to confirm focus detection positions and settings without the information overlaying and cluttering the main image view, effectively separating the confirmation function from the viewing function to eliminate the harmful clutter effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus detection region information is displayed in a different spatial dimension or area of the interface rather than overlaying the main viewfinder frame. This dimensional separation allows simultaneous access to both the main image view and the focus detection settings without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between confirmation ease and view clarity.
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
Enhances user operability by allowing precise setting and storage of focus detection regions for different modes, reducing clutter in the viewfinder, and ensuring optimal focus detection for various image capturing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that photo-electrically converts an object image formed by an optical lens into an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention further improves operability related to setting the position and size of a focus detection region. An image capturing apparatus of the invention is provided with an image sensor that photo-electrically converts an object image formed by an optical lens, a focus detection unit that detects the focus state of the object image using an image signal from a focus detection region that is a region that is a portion within a frame of the image sensor, a setting unit that sets one focus detection mode from among a plurality of focus detection modes in which the size and position of the focus detection region within the frame differ, and a storage unit that stores a focus detection region size and position for each of the plurality of focus detection modes.