Imaging Apparatus Focus Control for Multiple Depth Subjects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in maintaining a stable focus state when multiple subjects are imaged, particularly when one subject moves in the depth direction, leading to sudden focus changes.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that utilize a processor to acquire distance data for multiple objects within a moving image and control the focus position based on whether these objects are within the depth of field, allowing for smooth focus adjustments to maintain objects within the depth of field, even when one object moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focus position is adjusted to track a moving subject in the depth direction, then the moving subject remains in focus, but other subjects may go out of focus and sudden focus changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focus control by continuously monitoring the depth positions of multiple subjects and adjusting the focus position in real-time. The system dynamically determines which subject to track based on movement detection and depth information, allowing the focus to adapt to changing scene conditions while maintaining stability through controlled transition thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by detecting subject movement in the depth direction and using this information to adjust focus positioning. The system continuously feeds back depth data from multiple subjects to the focus control unit, which then modifies focus position to maintain subjects within the depth of field, preventing sudden focus changes through threshold-based decision making.
2Reliability
If the depth of field is extended to include multiple subjects at different depths, then all subjects remain in focus, but the focus control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the focus control task by dividing subjects into different depth groups and applying different focus strategies to each group. The system separates subject detection, depth measurement, and focus decision-making into distinct functional modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive focus coverage for multiple subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal focus control system that can handle multiple subjects at different depths using a single integrated depth-of-field calculation and focus positioning mechanism. The focus control unit universally applies depth-based focus rules to all detected subjects, eliminating the need for separate focus control systems for different subject configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging apparatus including an image sensor, and a processor, in which the processor acquires first distance data related to a distance between the imaging apparatus and a first object included in a moving image, which is shown by moving image data obtained by being imaged by the image sensor, and second distance data related to a distance between the imaging apparatus and a second object included in the moving image, and controls a focus position according to whether or not a first object position in a depth direction based on the first distance data and a second object position in the depth direction based on the second distance data are within a depth of field.