Multi-Lens Imaging Focus Alignment via Parallax Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses with multiple lenses face challenges in maintaining focus accuracy due to parallax between imaging units, leading to misalignment and reduced image quality when trying to focus a subject simultaneously across both units.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a main side focus control section, parallax acquisition section, subordinate side detection region setup section, and subordinate side focus control section to detect and adjust the in-focus positions of multiple lenses based on acquired parallax and detection region positions, ensuring accurate focus across both lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same imaging parameters are set for both imaging units, then the imaging apparatus can capture two pieces of image data under the same imaging conditions, but the subject may not be in focus in both imaging units due to parallax
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different imaging parameters specifically for the subordinate imaging unit based on its detection region and parallax characteristics, rather than using uniform parameters across all units. This allows each imaging unit to be optimized for its specific function and position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-setting the subordinate detection region and calculating parallax before image capture. The control section determines the subordinate imaging parameters in advance based on the main imaging parameters and detected parallax, ensuring focus accuracy is maintained before the actual capture occurs
2Reliability
If focus control is performed by bringing a focus region of one imaging unit into focus and setting that as the focus region of the other imaging unit, then focus can be achieved in one unit, but misalignment occurs in the other unit due to parallax
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recognizes that different imaging units have different local characteristics due to their positions and functions. It applies this by setting the subordinate detection region specifically and determining imaging parameters tailored to that region, rather than simply copying parameters from the main unit without adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by detecting parallax between imaging units and using that information to adjust the subordinate imaging parameters. The control section continuously monitors and adjusts parameters based on the detected parallax to maintain accurate focus alignment
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallax between images captured by two imaging units is large, then the position where the subject appears is misaligned in proportion to the parallax, but this makes it impossible for the subject to fit into the focus region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent handles large parallax by creating a subordinate detection region that is specifically positioned and sized according to the parallax amount. This local optimization ensures that the subject remains within the focus region of the subordinate unit even when parallax is significant
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the subordinate detection region and imaging parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The control section dynamically adjusts the subordinate parameters based on the detected parallax, allowing the system to maintain focus accuracy across varying parallax conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The focus detection accuracy is improved in an imaging apparatus that detects focus of each of a plurality of lenses.A main side focus control section detects, as a main side in-focus position, a main side lens position where focus is achieved in a main side detection region inside a main side image. A parallax acquisition section acquires parallax proportional to a distance by finding the distance on the basis of the main side in-focus position. A subordinate side detection region setup section sets a subordinate side detection region position in a subordinate side image on the basis of the parallax and the main side detection region position. A subordinate side focus control section detects, as a subordinate side in-focus position, a subordinate side lens position where focus is achieved in the subordinate side detection region.