Imaging Device Self-Timer Focus Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in automatically focusing a target object when using the self-timer function, often focusing on the background instead due to difficulty in specifying the object to be photographed.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus that compares first and second images acquired at different times to detect changes and focuses on the changed portion, ensuring accurate focusing of the target object even in timer function mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If self-timer function is used to automatically capture images, then automation is improved, but focusing accuracy deteriorates because the background is focused instead of the target object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic image captureVSAvoidfocusing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing a first image before the target object enters the scene, then captures a second image when the object is present. By comparing these two images, the system identifies the target object as the changed portion and focuses on it automatically, resolving the focusing accuracy issue while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If focus is fixed at a preset distance, then device complexity is reduced, but focusing accuracy deteriorates because the object cannot be positioned exactly at the preset distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus control mechanismVSAvoidobject positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the target object through image comparison and autonomously adjusting the focus to the detected object. This eliminates the need for manual focus adjustment or complex preset distance mechanisms, achieving both simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If auxiliary light is used to illuminate the object during self-timer operation, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional lighting components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidlighting system

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image capturing unit serves multiple functions: it both captures images for comparison to detect the target object and provides illumination when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary lighting components, maintaining detection capability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7493036B2Imaging device

Publication Date: 2009.02.17 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an imaging apparatus which includes image acquiring means for acquiring an image of an object; storing means for temporarily storing an image acquired by the image acquiring means; and control means for detecting a portion having changed upon comparison of a first image and a second image which are stored in the storing means, each image acquired by the image acquiring means at a different time, and to focus on the portion having changed.