Imaging Apparatus Adaptive Focus Reading Between Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining focusing accuracy during continuous photography, especially when the reliability of focusing based on focus detection signals is low, often due to deep depth of field or noise interference, leading to unreliable evaluation values.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a processor and memory that continuously captures images, determines focusing reliability, and adjusts imaging settings by acquiring a second focus detection signal between frames based on the determined reliability, allowing for improved focusing accuracy through strategic reading and exposure adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reading is performed to obtain focus detection signals for every frame during continuous photography, then focusing accuracy can be maintained, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing focus detection reading selectively rather than for every frame. The system determines whether to perform reading for focus adjustment based on specific conditions (aperture value, subject distance, focus mode), thereby reducing unnecessary reading operations while maintaining focusing accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reading frequency dynamically based on shooting conditions. By adjusting whether to perform reading for focus adjustment according to aperture values, subject distances, and focus modes, the system optimizes the balance between focusing accuracy and continuous photography speed.
2Area of stationary object
If aperture is narrowed to increase depth of field, then more area is in focus, but the reliability of focus detection signal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus detection process adaptive to aperture conditions. When the aperture is narrowed (f-stop ≥ 5.6), the system dynamically adjusts by performing additional reading for focus adjustment to compensate for the reduced reliability of focus detection signals, rather than using a static approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by evaluating shooting conditions (aperture value, subject distance) and determining whether to perform reading for focus adjustment based on these inputs. This feedback mechanism ensures that focus detection reliability is maintained by adjusting reading operations according to the actual shooting context.
3Reliability
If reading for focus adjustment is performed in all lines including those not containing the main subject, then focusing reliability improves, but data processing load and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating processing between different regions (lines) of the imaging element. Lines containing the main subject receive full focus detection processing, while other lines are handled differently based on whether they contain subjects, thereby optimizing processing efficiency while maintaining focusing reliability for main subjects.
4Measurement precision
If signal addition is performed for all pixels, then image quality improves, but focus detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing pixels into different functional regions: some pixels are used for image signal acquisition with addition processing, while other pixels are dedicated to focus detection with independent reading. This segmentation allows both high-quality imaging and reliable focus detection to coexist without interfering with each other.
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 continuous photography without deteriorating focusing accuracy, even when initial focus detection reliability is low, by optimizing image reading and exposure strategies, thereby enhancing the reliability of focusing determination.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element having a pupil division reading function in which each pixel is constituted by a plurality of photoelectric conversion units
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, an imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to read signals from pixels of an imaging element and continuously capture images, a determination unit configured to determine a reliability of focusing on the basis of a first focus detection signal output in a first imaging of the images, and a control unit configured to perform reading for acquiring a second focus detection signal from the pixels of the imaging element between the first imaging and a second imaging performed next to the first imaging in accordance with a determined reliability of focusing, in which the imaging unit performs the second imaging on the basis of the read second focus detection signal.