Hybrid Auto-Focus Using Confidence Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active focusing methods in electronic devices suffer from high focusing failure rates despite fast speed, while passive focusing methods offer high precision but are slow.
Innovation Solution
An auto-focus method that simultaneously collects images from two image shooting units, calculates depth information from feature point pairs, and adjusts the lens position based on confidence thresholds to improve focusing precision by selectively using active focusing when confidence is high.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If active focusing is used, then focusing speed is fast, but focusing precision deteriorates due to high focusing failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active focusing and passive focusing methods into a unified hybrid focusing system. The system combines the fast speed advantage of active focusing with the high precision advantage of passive focusing by integrating their respective algorithms and evaluation metrics into a single focusing framework that leverages the strengths of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focusing mode switching that adapts between active and passive focusing based on real-time evaluation of depth information confidence. The system dynamically adjusts the focusing strategy by transitioning between active focusing (when confidence is high) and passive focusing (when confidence is low), optimizing both speed and precision according to current conditions.
2Measurement precision
If passive focusing is used, then focusing precision is high, but focusing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively using passive focusing only when necessary - specifically when the confidence of depth information from active focusing falls below a threshold. The system performs partial passive focusing evaluation on selected feature points rather than comprehensive passive focusing, thereby maintaining high precision when needed while minimizing the speed penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between active and passive focusing modes based on confidence evaluation. When depth information confidence is high, the system uses fast active focusing; when confidence is low, it transitions to precise passive focusing. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between speed and precision based on real-time conditions.
3Speed
If active focusing is used without confidence threshold, then focusing speed is maintained, but focusing precision deteriorates due to unreliable depth information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback through confidence threshold evaluation of depth information. The system calculates confidence metrics for depth measurements obtained from active focusing and uses this feedback to determine whether to proceed with active focusing or switch to passive focusing. This feedback mechanism ensures that unreliable depth information does not lead to focusing failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts focusing strategy based on real-time confidence evaluation of depth information. When confidence exceeds the threshold, the system maintains fast active focusing; when confidence falls below the threshold, it switches to passive focusing. This dynamic response ensures both speed and reliability by adapting to the quality of available depth information.
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
This approach enhances focusing precision in active focusing while maintaining speed by ensuring that lens adjustments are made only when depth information confidence exceeds a threshold, improving overall focusing accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a distance from a photographed subject to a lens is measured using a method such as infrared distance measurement, ultrasonic distance measurement, and binocular stereoscopic vision
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-focus method including at a same moment, collecting a first image of a first object using a first image shooting unit, collecting a second image of the first object using a second image shooting unit, calculating M pieces of first depth information of M same feature point pairs in corresponding areas in the first image and the second image, determining whether confidence of the M pieces of first depth information is greater than a threshold, obtaining focusing depth information according to N pieces of first depth information in the IM pieces of first depth information when the confidence of the M pieces of first depth information is greater than the threshold, obtaining a target position of a first lens of the first image shooting unit according to the focusing depth information, and controlling the first lens to move to the target position.