Imaging Apparatus Dynamic Resolution Switching for Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging apparatuses, reducing power consumption by lowering the resolution of the imager output during monitoring hinders visual recognizability for focus checking, as it leads to a decrease in image quality and difficulty in detecting the focus state, especially when aliasing phenomena occur due to pixel thinning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that dynamically switches between high and low resolution modes based on the focus operation state, where the image is processed in high resolution mode during focus operations and in low resolution mode otherwise, maintaining the viewing angle and optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the spacing between pixels is thinned to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced and monitoring display frame rate is improved, but visual recognizability for focus checking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between two resolution modes based on the operational state. When a focus operation is detected, the system transitions to high resolution mode; otherwise, it operates in low resolution mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting pixel spacing according to actual needs, reducing power consumption during normal operation while maintaining visual recognizability during focus checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter dynamically based on operational state. By detecting focus operations and switching between high and low resolution modes, the system adjusts the pixel spacing parameter to resolve the contradiction between power consumption and visual recognizability for focus checking.
2Measurement precision
If the image is displayed in an enlarged manner to improve focus checking, then visual recognizability is improved, but the display angle changes making framing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different resolution levels for different operational contexts. During focus operations, high resolution is provided locally at the imager output to enable accurate focus checking, while maintaining the overall display angle and framing capability. This resolves the contradiction by enhancing visual recognizability only when needed without affecting framing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple adjacent pixels are added and averaged to prevent aliasing, then aliasing phenomenon is prevented, but high frequency component is lost reducing focus checking capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between processing modes based on operational state. During focus operations, the system processes images in high resolution mode without applying adding and averaging, preserving high frequency components. During normal operation, low resolution mode with adding and averaging is used to prevent aliasing. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between preventing aliasing and preserving focus checking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the image processing parameters dynamically. When focus operation is detected, the system switches to high resolution mode where pixels are read without adding and averaging, preserving high frequency components necessary for focus checking. Otherwise, low resolution mode with adding and averaging is applied to prevent aliasing.
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 enhances visual recognizability and operability for focus checking while reducing power consumption, allowing for accurate focus adjustment without changing the display angle and minimizing the impact on moving image recording quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imager (a photoelectric conversion unit) that outputs capture image data as electric data in accordance with the incident light from a photographic subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes circuitry that determine whether a focus operation is performed on an image, and processes the image in a high resolution mode when the focus operation is determined to be performed. The circuitry processes the image in a low resolution mode when the focus operation is determined not to be performed. The resolution of the image is lower in the low resolution mode than in the high resolution mode.