Imaging Apparatus Distance Mapping for Focus and Depth-of-Field Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies do not effectively allow users to easily visually recognize the distance of a subject, making it difficult to adjust focus and depth of field settings accurately.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that generates moving image data and distance image data, with one axis representing distance information, enabling easy visualization of depth and focus adjustments through marks and controls on a display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If distance information is not visually displayed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for focus and depth of field adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual distance map that copies and represents the actual distance information of the imaging area in a simplified visual format. This distance map is generated by the processor based on imaging data from the image sensor, allowing users to see distance information without adding physical display components to the camera body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of information representation by displaying distance data as a visual map overlay on the captured image. This transforms abstract distance measurements into a spatially-aware visual representation that users can interpret intuitively, enhancing operational ease without complicating the physical device.
2Measurement precision
If distance map is displayed with detailed scale markings, then the measurement precision of distance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance information display into distinct visual elements: the distance map background showing overall distance distribution, first marks indicating specific focusing distances, and second marks indicating depth of field ranges. This segmentation allows users to quickly locate and interpret relevant distance information without being overwhelmed by a continuous detailed scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color variations in the distance map and marks to encode different distance zones and focus states. By using color changes to represent different distance ranges and focus conditions, the system conveys precise measurement information through intuitive visual cues that are easy to interpret at a glance.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging apparatus including an image sensor, and a processor, in which the processor is configured to acquire information related to distances at a plurality of positions within an imaging area of the image sensor, generate moving image data represented with a vertical axis and a lateral axis, based on imaging data obtained by the image sensor, generate distance image data in which a first axis corresponds to the vertical axis or the lateral axis and a second axis represents the information related to the distance, and output the moving image data and the distance image data.