Focus State Visualization for Manual Video Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of moving image content production using mirrorless or single-lens reflex cameras, it is challenging for users to visually confirm whether the focus on a main subject is accurate due to the small size of the monitor, which limits the ability to recognize focus accurately.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that generate moving image data to support manual focus by evaluating the focus state of a specific subject region and displaying a live view image that visually highlights the focus state of this region, allowing users to confirm focus more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a small monitor is used in mirrorless or single-lens reflex cameras, then the camera becomes more portable and lightweight, but the user cannot visually recognize whether the focus on the main subject is accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging region into a specific subject region and other regions. By segmenting the display into these regions, the system can apply different processing characteristics to different areas, allowing enhanced focus state visibility in the subject region without requiring the entire monitor to be enlarged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by generating second moving image data with enhanced focus state visibility specifically for the specific subject region. This allows the region of interest to have improved visual characteristics (enhanced focus feedback) while the rest of the image maintains normal appearance, solving the contradiction between small monitor size and focus recognition accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If focus assist functions like magnifying display or peaking function are implemented, then focus recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying full peaking processing to the entire imaging region (excessive action), the patent applies peaking processing only to the specific subject region (partial action). This reduces the processing complexity and computational load while still providing effective focus assistance for the main subject.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying focus enhancement processing selectively to the specific subject region rather than uniformly across the entire image. This localized approach reduces overall processing complexity while maintaining effective focus recognition capability.
3Measurement precision
If peaking processing is applied to the entire imaging region, then focus state is enhanced throughout, but the confirmation of main subject and framing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging region into a specific subject region and other regions. By applying peaking processing only to the specific subject region rather than the entire region, the system maintains enhanced focus state visibility for the main subject while preserving the ability to confirm framing and overall composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by restricting peaking processing to the specific subject region. This allows the main subject to have enhanced focus feedback while the surrounding areas maintain normal visual characteristics, making it easier to confirm framing and overall image composition.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a processor (16) and a memory, in which the processor (16) performs processing of generating first moving image data for recording based on input imaging data, processing of setting a specific subject region including a specific subject in an imaging region represented by the imaging data or the first moving image data, processing of evaluating a focus state based on the imaging data or the first moving image data, processing of generating second moving image data for display in which a focus state of the specific subject region is visually recognizable based on data of the specific subject region, an evaluation result of the focus state, and the first moving image data, and processing of outputting the second moving image data to a display destination.