Imaging Apparatus Focus Lens Prediction for Continuous Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining focus on a specific subject during continuous imaging without increasing the time interval between frames, especially when the frame rate is high, leading to difficulties in ensuring the focus lens reaches the predicted position before the main exposure starts.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus employs a processor to calculate the initial focus position of a focus lens relative to a specific subject and predicts subsequent focus positions ahead of the current frame, moving the lens accordingly while avoiding the main exposure period, allowing for continuous imaging without reducing the frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the frame rate is increased for continuous imaging, then the productivity is improved, but the focus lens cannot reach the predicted position before main exposure starts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs focus position prediction in advance for future frames (N+1, N+2, etc.) while the current frame (N) is being captured. This preliminary calculation allows the focus lens to be positioned accurately before each exposure without waiting for the previous frame to complete, thereby maintaining high frame rates while ensuring focus precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus control system dynamically adjusts the focus lens position based on predicted subject movement. By continuously updating focus positions for multiple future frames and coordinating lens movement with the imaging timing, the system adapts to moving subjects while maintaining sharp focus throughout the continuous imaging sequence.
2Manufacturing precision
If the time interval between frames is increased to allow focus lens movement, then the focus position accuracy is improved, but the continuous imaging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Focus position predictions for multiple future frames are calculated in advance during the exposure period of the current frame. This preliminary computation eliminates the need to wait for frame completion before determining the next focus position, allowing the lens to move smoothly without increasing the time interval between frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by performing focus position calculations and lens movement coordination throughout the entire imaging sequence without idle periods. The focus lens moves continuously according to predicted positions while the image sensor continuously captures frames, ensuring both precision and high speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the focus lens moves during main exposure, then the focus position can be adjusted for moving subjects, but the image quality deteriorates due to focus instability
Solution Approach 1:
The focus lens is positioned at the predicted focus position before the main exposure of each frame begins. By completing the lens movement in advance and maintaining stability during the exposure period, the system achieves sharp images of moving subjects without focus instability during capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates the focus lens movement with the imaging timing. The lens moves to the predicted position during the interval between frames and holds steady during the exposure, adapting to subject motion while ensuring image sharpness. This dynamic timing coordination allows tracking capability without compromising image quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the focus lens to accurately follow the subject without increasing the time interval between frames, ensuring sharp focus during continuous imaging by predicting and adjusting the focus position ahead of time, thus maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor in which light is imaged by an imaging lens including a focus lens
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a processor, and an image sensor, in which a focus lens is moved while avoiding a period of main exposure by the image sensor in accordance with an instruction of the processor and the main exposure is continuously performed to perform continuous imaging at a predetermined time interval, and a processor calculates a first focus position of the focus lens with respect to a specific subject in a specific frame in which the main exposure is performed in a continuous imaging period, predicts a second focus position of the focus lens with respect to the specific subject in a frame ahead of the specific frame by a plurality of frames with reference to the first focus position in the continuous imaging period, and moves the focus lens toward the second focus position.