Imaging Device Depth of Field Adjustment via Preliminary Focus Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face failures in generating wholly-focused composite images due to large movements of the imaging element or subject during photo shooting, especially when varying focus positions are used.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device that includes an imaging element, a control section, and an image processing section with a depth-of-field adjusting section to generate images with adjusted depth of field, where the focus positions of multiple images are set to be adjacent or partially overlapping, and an adjustment judging section to store images based on successful adjustments, ensuring the main subject remains in focus even with camera shake or subject movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple images with different focus positions are captured to extend depth of field, then the depth of field is extended, but photographic failures occur due to large movements of imaging element or subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images at multiple predetermined focus positions before final image generation. The control section pre-determines multiple focus positions based on the set focus position, and the imaging element captures images at these predetermined positions in advance. This preliminary capture of multiple images allows the image processing section to later select and combine appropriate images even when subject movement or camera shake occurs, thereby extending depth of field reliably while reducing photographic failures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If focus position is changed to capture subjects at different distances, then more subjects are captured in focus, but the main subject may move out of focus range
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary determination of multiple focus positions based on the set focus position before actual image capture. By pre-calculating and setting multiple predetermined focus positions that include the set focus position, the system ensures the main subject remains within the focus range of at least one captured image. This preliminary planning allows flexible capture of subjects at different distances while maintaining reliable focus on the main subject through subsequent image selection and combination.
3Reliability
If multiple images are captured and processed to generate composite image, then depth of field is extended, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary determination of multiple focus positions and the imaging element captures images at these predetermined positions before final processing. By pre-organizing the capture process with predetermined focus positions, the image processing section can efficiently select and combine images without needing to perform complex real-time processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining high composite image quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If focus position is adjusted for each subject, then each subject is focused, but the imaging element or subject movement causes duplicate images
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary determination of multiple focus positions based on the set focus position, and the imaging element captures images at these predetermined positions. By pre-establishing a set of focus positions that includes the set focus position and capturing images at these positions in advance, the system can later select images where the main subject is properly focused without duplication. This preliminary organization of capture parameters prevents duplicate images while maintaining precise focus on the main subject.
Data Source
AI summary
First image information whose depth of field includes a subject in a focus position set by a control section before photo shooting and second image information captured in a position focus different from that of the first image information are included. The focus position of the second image information is determined on the basis of the focus position of the first image information. The first image information is stored together with an image with an extended depth of field. This makes it possible to provide an imaging device which, when obtaining an extended depth of field from a plurality of images of different focus positions, can reduce failures in photo shooting due to a movement of a subject or camera shake.