Focusing Apparatus Using Region Pixel Reading for Autofocus Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital image processing apparatuses face limitations in increasing focusing speed due to the need to read all pixels, including unnecessary ones, which slows down the autofocusing process.
Innovation Solution
A focusing apparatus and method that allows an image sensor to read only pixels within a preset or face recognizing region, calculates a focus value based on these pixels, and applies it to the entire image, reducing the time taken to read pixels and enhancing focusing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all pixels are read by the sensor to calculate focus value, then the focus calculation is comprehensive and accurate, but the reading time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple regions of interest (ROI) and selectively reads pixels only from these regions rather than the entire image. This segmentation approach maintains sufficient focus calculation accuracy while significantly reducing the number of pixels that need to be read, thus decreasing reading time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential pixels from specific regions of interest that are most relevant for focus calculation. By taking out only the necessary pixels from the full image and excluding unnecessary pixels, the system achieves efficient focus processing with reduced reading time while maintaining adequate accuracy.
2Speed
If pixels of some lines are read and other lines are skipped to reduce reading time, then the focusing speed increases, but there are still many pixels to be read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a more aggressive segmentation strategy by defining specific regions of interest and skipping entire lines or blocks of pixels outside these regions. This further reduces the quantity of pixels that need to be read while maintaining focusing speed through selective processing of only the most relevant areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by reading only a subset of pixels from specific regions rather than all pixels. This selective reading approach reduces the total number of pixels processed while still providing sufficient information for accurate focus determination, achieving a balance between speed and accuracy.
3Speed
If a small region is read to reduce reading time, then the focusing speed increases, but the focus value may not represent the entire image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the focus calculation system universally applicable to the entire image by using multiple regions of interest. The focus values calculated from these selective regions are then applied globally to the whole image, allowing the system to maintain high focusing speed while ensuring the results are applicable and effective across the entire image area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines focus calculations from multiple regions of interest to derive a comprehensive focus value that represents the entire image. By merging information from several strategically selected regions rather than relying on a single small region, the system ensures broad applicability while maintaining fast processing speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A focusing apparatus and method are provided for a digital image processing apparatus. The focusing apparatus and method control an image sensor to read only pixels within a preset region of an image, calculate a focus value using only the read pixels, and apply the focus value to the entire image. The focusing apparatus includes: a region setting unit setting an arbitrary focus region of an image; a set region pixel reading unit reading only pixels within the set focus region; a focus value calculating unit calculating a maximum focus value according to a moving distance of a focus lens for achieving an in-focus state with respect to the pixels within the focus region read by the set region pixel reading unit; and a control unit applying the calculated maximum focus value to the entire image.