Image Stabilization Limit Control for Consecutive Shooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup apparatuses face limitations in image stabilization during both single and consecutive image pickup modes, leading to uncomfortable vibrations due to steep switching between AF and image limits, especially in consecutive modes where short time between exposures causes inadequate control and increased shake correction, resulting in user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a calculation unit to determine a target correction amount based on detected shake, a stabilization control unit for driving the image sensor, and a setting unit that adjusts limit values based on the pickup condition and focusing accuracy, allowing for continuous image stabilization within optimal limits to prevent vibration and maintain image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the limit is switched from the AF limit to the image limit during exposure in consecutive image pickup mode, then the image stabilization range is expanded, but the image sensor produces steep operations causing vibration and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the correction limit adjustable and time-dependent. The control unit dynamically switches between AF limit and image limit based on the image pickup mode (single or consecutive) and timing (before or during exposure). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to expand the stabilization range when needed while preventing harmful vibrations by controlling the switching behavior in consecutive mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of correction limit values based on operating conditions. In single image pickup mode, the limit switches from AF limit to image limit during exposure. In consecutive image pickup mode, the system maintains the AF limit during exposure to prevent steep operations, then switches to image limit in the time between frames. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between expansion range and vibration prevention.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image sensor operates within the image limit during exposure, then the image quality is maintained, but the focusing accuracy may be deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing autofocus operation before exposure starts. The control unit ensures that the image sensor is positioned within the AF limit during the autofocus phase, achieving accurate focus. Only after focus is achieved does the system allow operation within the broader image limit during exposure. This preliminary positioning prevents focusing accuracy deterioration while enabling broader stabilization range during capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operation into distinct phases with different correction limits: autofocus phase (using AF limit) and exposure phase (using image limit). This segmentation allows the system to prioritize focusing accuracy during autofocus while maximizing image quality during exposure, resolving the contradiction between these two precision requirements.
3Productivity
If the time between frames is reduced in consecutive image pickup mode, then the number of images is increased, but the limit switching causes vibration feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing time-dependent limit switching specific to consecutive image pickup mode. The control unit maintains the AF limit during exposure periods to prevent vibration, then switches to image limit in the brief intervals between frames. This dynamic, time-based strategy allows high-speed consecutive shooting while minimizing vibration feelings caused by limit switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively maintaining the narrower AF limit during exposure in consecutive mode, anticipating and preventing the vibration problem before it occurs. This preemptive approach allows the system to achieve high productivity through rapid frame rates while counteracting the potential harmful effect of limit switching vibrations.
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
The solution effectively reduces user discomfort by minimizing steep operations of the image sensor during image stabilization, maintaining image quality, and ensuring stable image capture even in consecutive modes by dynamically adjusting correction limits based on image pickup conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a shake detection unit configured to detect shake based on acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a calculation unit configured to calculate a target correction amount based on a shake, a stabilization control unit configured to provide control on driving of a sensor in a direction intersecting an optical axis of a pickup optical system, based on the target correction amount, an autofocusing control unit configured to provide control on focusing based on an image signal output from the sensor, and a setting unit configured to set a limit value for the target correction amount based on a characteristic of the pickup optical system and focusing accuracy of the autofocusing unit. The setting unit is configured to change the limit value depending on the pickup condition, and is capable of setting a first limit value based on the characteristic and a second limit value based on the focusing accuracy.