Image Parameter Correction Using Calibration Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-taking apparatuses face challenges in automatically adjusting parameters such as focus and exposure due to manufacturing errors and user preferences, leading to suboptimal image quality, and existing solutions either require complex calculations or do not account for lens errors.
Innovation Solution
An image-taking apparatus that successively takes multiple images with varying parameters, allowing users to select the optimal settings, which are then stored and used for future image-taking, minimizing unnecessary circuitry and program loading, and correcting for manufacturing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contrast detection method is used for focus detection to achieve high accuracy autofocusing, then focus detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and program capacity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs focus detection and stores correction values in advance during manufacturing or initial setup, rather than performing complex contrast detection during actual image-taking. The correction values obtained from preliminary contrast detection are stored and reused during normal operation, eliminating the need for complex circuitry during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the focus detection result by storing only the correction value (a simple numerical parameter) instead of retaining the complex contrast detection capability. This copy can be applied during normal image-taking without requiring the original complex detection circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple custom set values are stored to accommodate user preferences for auto exposure and white balance, then adaptability is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different levels of customization to different parameters. Focus detection uses individualized correction values for each camera-lens combination, while auto exposure and white balance use simpler custom set values that can be shared across multiple configurations. This localized approach to quality customization reduces overall memory requirements.
3Speed
If phase difference detection method is used for focus detection, then focus detection speed is improved, but focus accuracy deteriorates due to manufacturing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase difference detection for rapid initial focus detection, then applies correction values (obtained from contrast detection) as feedback to refine the focus accuracy. This two-stage approach maintains the speed advantage of phase difference detection while correcting its accuracy limitations through feedback from more precise contrast-based correction values.
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
Enables high-quality image-taking by automatically adjusting parameters to user preferences while reducing the complexity of the image-taking process and correcting for manufacturing errors, ensuring optimal focus, exposure, and white balance without increasing memory or operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup element which photoelectrically converts an object image
Data Source
AI summary
An image-taking apparatus, which can automatically adjust parameters relating to image-taking regardless of variations in manufacturing errors and adjustment errors, is disclosed. The image-taking apparatus takes images by using an image pickup element. The image-taking apparatus successively shifts a parameter relating to image-taking so as to include a reference value, and takes a plurality of images with the parameters different from each other. Furthermore, the image-taking apparatus stores information on the parameter corresponding to an image selected by a user among the plurality of images in a memory, and determined the parameter to be used for image-taking on the basis of information stored in the memory.