Imaging Apparatus Focus Lens Region Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently focusing on a desired subject, particularly when background or obstacles interfere with the autofocus process, as they lack a straightforward method to adjust the focus lens position based on user instructions for changing the subject distance.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a controller that calculates an evaluation value over a detection range for the focus lens position and adjusts its position within a specified focusing region, defined as either a near or far region based on user instructions, to facilitate focusing on a desired subject by limiting the focus lens drive range to the desired area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the focus lens drive range is limited to a specific region based on user instructions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the focus lens drive range by allowing users to specify near/far directions and distance changes. The detection range is flexibly modified based on user instructions, enabling the system to adapt between limited regional focusing and extended range focusing depending on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of detection range by modifying it according to user-specified directions (near/far) and distance changes. This parameter adjustment allows the system to switch between focusing on specific regions and expanding the focusable distance range, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Productivity
If the detection range is modified based on user instructions, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having users specify near/far directions and distance changes before the focusing operation begins. The controller pre-modifies the detection range based on these instructions, allowing the focus lens to quickly move to the correct region without unnecessary scanning, thereby improving focusing speed while keeping controller logic relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If the focus lens position is adjusted within a limited region, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the detection range based on user-specified directions and distance changes. When users indicate near or far directions, the system modifies the detection range accordingly, allowing quick refocusing within the specified region while preserving the ability to expand the range when needed, thus balancing focus accuracy with refocusing time.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imager and a controller, wherein the controller calculates the evaluation value over a detection range with respect to position of the focus lens to perform the focusing operation, and in response to an instruction to reduce or increase a distance to a subject to be focused, the controller sets, in the detection range with respect to position of the focus lens, a region including a position close to a closest end or an infinite end with respect to a current position of the focus lens according to a direction specified by the instruction, as a focusing region, and adjusts the position of the focus lens within the set focusing region in the focusing operation.