Imaging Apparatus Peaking Display Focus Distinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in distinguishing in-focus from out-of-focus subjects in peaking display mode, especially when the dynamic range of the display unit is small, leading to confusion between peak portions of in-focus and out-of-focus subjects.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus comprising an imaging unit, a peak image generating unit, a background image generating unit, and a composing unit that processes RAW data to create composite image data by extracting peak portions and subjecting the data to image processing, allowing for clear differentiation between in-focus and out-of-focus areas through enhanced peak image display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peak portions are merely highlighted in peaking display, then the focus checking function is provided, but in-focus peak portions cannot be distinguished from out-of-focus peak portions in display units with small dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The image is segmented into peak image data (extracted from RAW data highlighting focus areas) and background image data (processed from RAW data). By separating the peak portions from the background and processing them differently, the invention enables clear distinction between in-focus and out-of-focus areas while maintaining ease of focus checking.
Solution Approach 2:
Different image processing is applied to different parts of the image: peak image data undergoes specific processing to enhance focus area visibility, while background image data is processed separately. This local differentiation allows in-focus peak portions to be clearly distinguished from out-of-focus portions in display units with limited dynamic range.
2Ease of operation
If the amplitude of image signal is reduced to highlight peak portions, then peaking display is achieved, but the dynamic range utilization is insufficient and distinction remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from simple amplitude reduction in a single dimension to a multi-dimensional approach by creating separate peak image data and background image data streams. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of each stream, achieving reliable focus distinction while maintaining proper dynamic range utilization in the final composite image.
3Loss of information
If peak portions are highlighted without proper processing, then focus areas are marked, but the display becomes confusing with mixed focus states
Solution Approach 1:
Peak portions are extracted from the RAW data to create separate peak image data, which is then processed and composited with background image data. This extraction and separate processing eliminates the confusion of mixed focus states by clearly separating in-focus markings from the overall image context, improving display clarity.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a peak image generating unit, a background image generating unit, a composing unit, and a display unit. The imaging unit images a subject to acquire RAW data. The peak image generating unit extracts peak portions from the RAW data to generate peak image data. The background image generating unit subjects the RAW data to image processing to generate background image data. The composing unit composes the peak image data with the background image data to generate composite image data. The display unit displays an image based on the composite image data.