Imaging Apparatus Brightness Segmentation for Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging apparatuses experience a change in image quality during focus adjustment due to differences in brightness levels and distribution between live-view display and focus adjustment image data, causing user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that generate image data using exposure parameters calculated from a different photometric area for live-view display than for focus adjustment, with a focus adjustment brightness value calculation section comparing and correcting brightness values to ensure consistent image quality during both live-view display and focus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the same photometric area is used for both live-view display and focus adjustment, then the brightness levels match, but the focus adjustment accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient photometric range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photometric area into two distinct regions: a first photometric area for live-view display exposure calculation and a second photometric area for focus adjustment exposure calculation. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - the second area can be narrower for better focus precision while the first area maintains broader coverage for consistent live-view display, resolving the contradiction between focus accuracy and image quality consistency.
2Measurement precision
If a narrower photometric range is used for focus adjustment, then the focus adjustment precision improves, but the brightness distribution changes causing image quality inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different photometric areas to have different characteristics. The second photometric area for focus adjustment uses a narrower range optimized for precision measurement, while the first photometric area for live-view display uses a broader range for overall brightness representation. The exposure parameter conversion process ensures that the local optimization in the second area does not compromise the overall brightness distribution consistency.
3Measurement precision
If different photometric areas are used for live-view display and focus adjustment, then focus adjustment accuracy improves, but brightness level differences cause image quality changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by converting exposure parameters between the two photometric areas. The exposure parameter conversion section transforms the exposure parameter calculated from the first photometric area into an equivalent exposure parameter for the second photometric area, accounting for differences in brightness levels and distribution. This parameter transformation ensures that image quality remains consistent even though different photometric areas are used for focus adjustment and live-view display.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus performing live-view display by generating image data using an exposure parameter calculated from a brightness value in a photometric area for the live-view display which is different from a photometric area for focus adjustment when not performing the focus adjustment, the imaging apparatus comprising: a first calculating section for calculating a first brightness value in the photometric area for the live-view display; a second calculating section for calculating a second brightness value in the photometric area for focus adjustment; a comparison section for determining whether or not a brightness difference between the first brightness value and the second brightness value is within a predetermined range; and, an imaging section for obtaining image data by performing exposure using the first brightness value when the brightness difference between the first brightness value and the second brightness value is within the predetermined range.