Focus Lens Graph Display for Autofocus Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in efficiently focusing on a subject while avoiding background or obstacles during autofocus operations, as they often fail to accurately adjust the focus lens position based on user input for optimal image capture.

Innovation Solution

The imaging apparatus includes a controller that adjusts the focus lens position along the optical axis based on evaluation values for the focus state, displaying a graph to the user to facilitate near/far shift operations, allowing for precise control of focus adjustments through user input, enabling the apparatus to focus on intended subjects even with background or obstacles present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the automatic focusing device performs a scanning operation to acquire focus evaluation values, then the focusing accuracy is improved, but the focusing time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing accuracyVSAvoidfocusing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs a preliminary scanning operation to acquire focus evaluation values before the final focusing decision. This preliminary action provides advance information about potential peak positions, allowing the system to plan the optimal focusing path and avoid unnecessary scanning, thereby reducing total focusing time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The focusing operation dynamically adjusts between scanning mode and direct movement mode based on real-time evaluation of focus metrics. When a clear peak is detected during scanning, the system transitions from slow scanning to fast direct movement toward the peak position, optimizing the balance between accuracy and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the focus lens is moved quickly to the start position, then the focusing speed is improved, but the risk of missing the correct focus position increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing speedVSAvoidfocus position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors focus evaluation values during lens movement and uses this feedback to detect peak positions. When approaching a potential focus position, the system slows down and performs fine-adjustment scanning to confirm the peak, ensuring accurate focus positioning while maintaining overall speed through intelligent control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The focusing system dynamically adjusts its speed based on the phase of operation: fast movement during coarse positioning to the start position, slowed-down scanning when detecting potential peaks, and precise micro-adjustments when confirming the optimal focus position. This dynamic speed control optimizes both speed and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11483466B2Imaging apparatus capable of displaying a focusing graph to assist user during focusing operation

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes: an imager configured to capture a subject image formed via an optical system including a focus lens, to generate image data; a display configured to display an image indicated by the image data; an operation member configured to receive a user operation; and a controller configured to control a focusing operation for adjusting a position of the focus lens along an optical axis in the optical system according to an evaluation value for a focus state, wherein the controller is operable to cause the display to display a graph indicating the evaluation value for a focus state in each position of the focus lens.