Imaging Apparatus Focus Lens Depth of Field Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in quickly obtaining images with a deep depth of field, often requiring adjustments in aperture (stop) settings which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a processor that generates combined image data by capturing images at different focus positions and selecting frames based on depth of field requirements, using a focus lens and phase difference pixels for precise focus control and distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aperture (stop) is adjusted to increase depth of field, then depth of field is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The focus lens is made movable along the optical axis to dynamically adjust focus positions. By moving the focus lens between multiple positions, the system captures images at different focal planes and combines them to achieve extended depth of field, replacing the static aperture adjustment method with a dynamic focusing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting depth of field only through aperture (two-dimensional parameter), the system adds the focus lens position dimension (three-dimensional parameter). By varying the focus lens position along the optical axis, the system creates multiple focal planes and combines them to achieve extended depth of field, effectively adding a new degree of freedom to the imaging process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple images are captured at different focus positions, then depth of field is improved, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and pre-positions the focus lens at multiple predetermined positions before capturing images. By having the focus lens ready at multiple positions and using rapid switching between these positions, the system minimizes the time required to capture multiple images at different focal planes while still achieving extended depth of field.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus lens switches between multiple positions in a periodic manner during the imaging process. By using periodic switching between predetermined focus positions, the system efficiently captures multiple images at different focal planes without excessive time delay, maintaining a balanced imaging speed and depth of field extension.
3Measurement precision
If focus lens moves to different positions, then focus precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable focus lens serves multiple functions: it adjusts focus position, enables depth of field extension, and facilitates image quality optimization. By making the focus lens multi-functional rather than adding separate components for each function, the system achieves improved focus precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical aperture adjustment mechanisms with a simpler focus lens positioning mechanism. Instead of using complex stop mechanisms to control depth of field, the system uses a movable focus lens that can be precisely positioned along the optical axis, simplifying the overall mechanical system while achieving the same or better imaging results.
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 rapid acquisition of images with a deep depth of field without relying solely on aperture adjustments, improving focus precision and reducing processing time.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that converts a subject image into image data
Implementation Method 2
a focus lens, in which the first processor is configured to generate combined image data based on the image data of the number of frames decided in accordance with a depth of field with respect to the imaging region out of the image data of a plurality of frames obtained by imaging the imaging region at different positions of the focus lens
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element that incorporates a memory which stores image data obtained by imaging an imaging region at a first frame rate, and a first processor configured to output the image data at a second frame rate less than or equal to the first frame rate, and an imaging lens including a focus lens, in which the first processor is configured to generate combined image data based on the image data of the number of frames decided in accordance with a depth of field with respect to the imaging region out of the image data of a plurality of frames obtained by imaging the imaging region at different positions of the focus lens.