Imaging Apparatus Focus Area Display and Priority Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to recognize which autofocus area to prioritize in imaging apparatuses that display both dedicated AF and image surface AF areas, leading to confusion about which area should be given priority for imaging.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus selects and displays the second focus detection area as the focusing target area when the first focus detection areas fail, and displays the second focus detection area with a defocus amount less than a threshold as the primary focus area, while also displaying a frame around all second focus detection areas to help users identify the priority area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the imaging apparatus displays both dedicated AF areas and image surface AF areas separately, then the focus detection coverage is improved, but the user's ability to recognize the priority subject area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display of dedicated AF areas and image surface AF areas into a unified visual representation. Instead of displaying them as separate, independent elements that confuse users, the system merges their visual indicators so that users can clearly identify which area has priority focus status, while still maintaining comprehensive focus detection coverage from both area types.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging apparatus uses both dedicated AF module and phase difference pixel, then the focus detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the AF system universally adaptable by enabling both dedicated AF modules and phase difference pixels to function within the same imaging apparatus. The system is designed to accommodate multiple focus detection methods and areas, allowing the apparatus to leverage the high accuracy of dedicated AF modules while also utilizing the broader coverage of phase difference pixels, thereby achieving multi-functional focus detection capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology is provided to allow a user to easily recognize a subject to be given priority. A focusing target selection unit selects, from among a plurality of first focus detection areas in which a focus is detected by a first focus detection unit, an area to be focused as a focusing target area on the basis of a detected result of the focus in the first focus detection areas. A display area selection unit selects, from among a plurality of second focus detection areas in which a focus is detected by a second focus detection unit, an area to be displayed as a display area along with the focusing target area on the basis of a detected result of the focus in the plurality of second focus detection areas. A display control unit causes a display unit to display the display area.