Imaging Control Device Dynamic AF Area Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved auto-focus accuracy in imaging systems, as existing technologies face challenges in accurately detecting focal points, particularly in situations with low luminance and large blur.
Innovation Solution
An imaging control device and method that determine the presence of a dedicated phase difference detection sensor within a setting area and adjust the ranging areas of an image plane phase difference detection sensor accordingly, allowing for enhanced auto-focus accuracy by dynamically setting AF areas based on the availability of dedicated and image plane phase difference detection sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated phase difference detection sensor is used for auto-focus detection, then auto-focus detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase difference detection function across two different sensors: a dedicated phase difference detection sensor for specific areas and an image plane phase difference detection sensor for other areas. This allows the system to distribute the detection workload and maintain high accuracy without requiring a single complex sensor to handle all scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both an imaging sensor and an image plane phase difference detection sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated sensors in all areas, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining auto-focus detection capability
2Device complexity
If ranging areas are fixed across the entire image plane, then device complexity is reduced, but auto-focus accuracy deteriorates due to perspective conflicts and inability to adapt to different object sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ranging area configuration where the image plane phase difference detection sensor's ranging areas are automatically adjusted based on the detected subject area. The control unit determines appropriate ranging areas in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to different object sizes and positions, thereby improving auto-focus accuracy without requiring a completely static or overly complex fixed system
Solution Approach 2:
Different ranging area configurations are applied to different regions of the image plane based on local requirements. The control unit sets specific ranging areas corresponding to the detected subject area, allowing optimized focus detection for each region rather than using a uniform approach across the entire image plane
3Device complexity
If the imaging unit is used for both imaging and phase difference detection, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging precision may deteriorate due to potential interference between functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional usage of the imaging unit by spatially separating imaging operations from phase difference detection operations. Different pixel regions or time periods are allocated to different functions, allowing the imaging unit to serve dual purposes without significant interference between imaging precision and focus detection accuracy
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 improves auto-focus accuracy by optimizing the arrangement and size of AF areas, enhancing detection performance for both small and large objects, and reducing perspective conflicts, thereby improving overall imaging precision.
Implementation Method 1
a focus detection control circuitry configured to determine whether a setting area includes a portion of a dedicated phase difference detection sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes an imaging control device, an imaging control method, and an imaging apparatus. The imaging control device includes a focus detection control circuitry configured to determine whether a setting area includes a portion of a dedicated phase difference detection sensor, the setting area being in a photographing range of an imaging unit. The focus detection control circuitry is further configured to set one or more ranging areas of an image plane phase difference detection sensor to one or more first ranging areas in response to determining that the setting area does not include the portion of the dedicated phase difference detection sensor.