Focus Lens Speed Control for Smooth Video Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional focus adjustment apparatuses for high-definition video cameras face challenges in achieving accurate and smooth focus adjustment during manual focusing (MF) operations, as automatic focusing (AF) actions can lead to sudden changes in focus, causing blurred images, especially during live video capture.
Innovation Solution
A focus adjustment apparatus that includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit, a determination unit, and a control unit, which uses the imaging-plane phase difference method to detect the focus state and correct the focus lens position based on the movement speed from a storage unit, ensuring smooth and accurate focus adjustment by integrating manual and automatic focusing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic focusing (AF) action is performed after manual focusing (MF) operation to correct focus deviation, then focusing accuracy is improved, but sudden changes in focus occur causing blurred images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus lens movement speed adaptable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the focus lens speed based on the operation type (MF or AF) and the current focus position, allowing smooth transitions that prevent blurred images while maintaining focusing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of focus lens speed based on operation type. When AF operation is performed, the control unit sets the focus lens speed to a lower value compared to MF operation, thereby preventing sudden focus changes and blurred images while still achieving accurate focus correction.
2Productivity
If focus lens speed is increased to improve focusing response, then productivity is improved, but focus change becomes abrupt causing image blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the focus lens speed parameter based on the operation type detected by the detection unit. During AF operation, a lower speed is set to prevent blur, while during MF operation, a higher speed can be used for faster response, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and image quality.
3Loss of time
If focus correction is performed rapidly to improve efficiency, then time consumption is reduced, but smoothness of focus change deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus lens speed adaptable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the focus lens speed based on the operation type (MF or AF) and the current focus position, allowing smooth transitions that prevent blurred images while maintaining focusing accuracy.
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
The apparatus enables highly accurate and smooth focusing operations by correcting focus deviations and preventing sudden changes in focus, ensuring clear video capture even during moving image recording.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert light that has passed through an imaging optical system including a focus lens into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state based on a signal output from the imaging unit, using an imaging-plane phase difference method
Data Source
AI summary
A focus adjustment apparatus includes an imaging unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state based on a signal output from the imaging unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether an in-focus position is present within a predetermined range from a current position of a focus lens based on the detected focusing state, a control unit configured to perform control to correct the position of the focus lens moved by a manual operation according to a result of the determination made by the determination unit, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire from a storage unit a movement speed of the focus lens corresponding to the manual operation, wherein the control unit performs control to move the focus lens at a speed determined based on the movement speed acquired from the storage unit.