Imaging Device Focus Stacking Preview Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in accurately confirming the depth of field focus stacking effect before shooting, due to complexities in optical models and aberrations, making it difficult for photographers to determine if the image will have the intended depth of field.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device and control method that include an image data acquisition circuit for shifting focus positions, an image selection circuit for choosing images based on focus position shifts and resolution, and an image combination circuit for generating images with a large depth of field, allowing for accurate confirmation of the focus stacking effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If focus stacking technology is used to acquire images with wide depth of field, then the depth of field is improved, but the image processing calculation complexity increases hugely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs focus stacking image combination in advance before the actual shooting operation. The image combination circuit combines multiple image data acquired at different focus positions to generate a focus stacking image that represents the expected depth of field effect. This preliminary action allows the photographer to confirm the depth of field magnification effect before final shooting, avoiding the need for complex real-time processing during the shooting moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or preview of the focus stacking effect through image combination. The display circuit shows a focus stacking image that is a representative copy of what the final combined image will look like. This copying approach allows photographers to evaluate the depth of field effect without performing the full complex image processing on the actual final image data.
2Measurement precision
If optical model calculation is used to determine focused range, then theoretical focus accuracy is improved, but errors from aberrations and other factors reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses actual image data from the image sensor to provide feedback on the real focus stacking effect. Instead of relying solely on theoretical optical model calculations, the system captures actual images at different focus positions, combines them to show the real depth of field effect, and displays this feedback to the photographer. This allows the photographer to see the actual result including any optical aberrations and determine if adjustment is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the theoretical optical model calculation system with an actual image-based measurement system. Instead of calculating focused range through optical formulas that suffer from aberration errors, the system physically captures images at different focus positions and uses image combination to reveal the actual depth of field. This substitution of mechanical/optical calculation with empirical image measurement eliminates the reliability issues caused by optical model inaccuracies.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are acquired at different focus positions, then depth of field coverage is improved, but the time required for image acquisition and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the time-consuming image acquisition and combination process in advance before the actual shooting. The image data acquisition circuit collects multiple images at different focus positions, and the image combination circuit processes them to create a focus stacking preview. This preliminary action completes the time-intensive work beforehand, so when the photographer needs to confirm the depth of field effect, the processing is already done and results are immediately displayable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs image combination on a selected subset of images rather than all possible focus position images. The image selection circuit chooses specific images from the acquired set that are most representative for demonstrating the depth of field effect. This partial action approach reduces processing time while still providing sufficient information for the photographer to evaluate and confirm the depth of field magnification effect.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device comprises an image data acquisition circuit that determines a plurality of focus positions by repeatedly shifting focus position by a given amount, forms subject images at respective focus positions, and acquires, from the subject images that have been formed, a plurality of image data of a first resolution, or a plurality of image data of a second resolution that is different to the first resolution, and an image combination circuit that generates first image data by combining the plurality of image data of the first resolution, or generates second image data by combining the plurality of image data of the second resolution.