Focus Position Indicator for Depth-Aware Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in intuitively and easily specifying a focus position, particularly in the depth direction, when photographing subjects with multiple persons or in shallow depth of field conditions, as existing techniques do not effectively convey focus position information.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that outputs an image with indicators for the initial and updated focus positions, including virtual images and depth information, allowing users to easily adjust and confirm focus positions by displaying density or line segments corresponding to the focus depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If focus position is specified on a two-dimensional display screen, then the operation is simple, but it becomes extremely difficult to specify a position in the depth direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a depth dimension to the traditional two-dimensional display by showing multiple focus position indicators at different depths (front, center, back) along the optical axis. This allows users to specify focus positions not only in the horizontal and vertical directions but also in the depth direction, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and depth information representation.
2Loss of information
If multiple focus position indicators are displayed, then depth position information is provided, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the focus position information into distinct indicators for different depth positions (front, center, back). Each indicator is displayed separately with clear visual distinction, allowing the complex depth information to be broken down into manageable, easily interpretable segments that reduce overall display complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual characteristics to different focus position indicators based on their depth positions. Indicators at different depths are displayed with distinct properties (such as different positions along the optical axis, different colors, or different symbols), allowing users to quickly distinguish between front, center, and back focus positions without overwhelming display complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If shallow depth of field is used, then photographic quality is improved, but it becomes difficult to determine the focus position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides real-time feedback by displaying multiple focus position indicators that show exactly where the focus is set at different depths. This feedback mechanism allows users to immediately see the relationship between the focus position and the subject, making it easy to determine whether the focus is on the eyes, nose, ears, or other facial features even when using shallow depth of field for high-quality photography.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes circuitry that outputs a first image for display with a first indicator that identifies an initial focus position within a scene of the first image and a second indicator that identifies at least one focus position that is in front of or behind the initial focus position within the scene. The first indicator display is updated in response to an adjustment of the initial focus position to an updated focus position. Another information processing apparatus includes circuitry that generates a virtual image of at least one object included in a first image of a scene from a different point of view. The generated virtual image is output for display with an indicator corresponding to an initial focus position within the scene of the first image. The indicator display is updated in response to an adjustment of the initial focus position to an updated focus position.