Imaging Sensor Focus and Tilt Control via Segmented Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses require a long time to adjust focus and tilt angles due to shifts in the positional relationship between the object surface and the focal plane, especially when the direction or zoom state changes, necessitating repetitive adjustments to achieve target accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a focus controller, angle controller, evaluation value acquirer, and exposure controller that quickly adjusts focus and tilt angles by using distinct evaluation areas and exposure conditions to optimize contrast evaluation values, reducing the number of repetitions needed for focus control and angle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focus lens is driven and the tilt angle is adjusted sequentially to achieve target accuracy, then the positional relationship between the object surface and the focal plane can be corrected, but the control time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor's effective pixels into multiple evaluation areas (first evaluation area and second evaluation area). Each evaluation area independently evaluates contrast for focus and tilt adjustments. This segmentation allows parallel processing of focus and tilt optimization, reducing the time required while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses only a portion of the image sensor's pixels (specific evaluation areas) rather than the entire sensor for the evaluation process. This partial action reduces the data processing burden and allows faster contrast evaluation and optimization, thereby reducing control time while achieving the required positional accuracy.
2Reliability
If the entire image is used for contrast evaluation during both focus control and angle control, then comprehensive information is obtained, but the processing time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into multiple evaluation areas with different functions: the first evaluation area (central region) is optimized for focus control, while the second evaluation area (peripheral region) is optimized for tilt angle control. This segmentation enables simultaneous and independent optimization of both parameters, improving control efficiency without sacrificing evaluation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different exposure conditions to different evaluation areas: the first exposure condition is optimized for the first evaluation area during focus control, while the second exposure condition is optimized for the second evaluation area during tilt control. This local quality approach ensures each area provides reliable contrast evaluation for its specific purpose, maintaining overall system reliability while improving efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the same exposure condition is used for both focus control and angle control, then the system is simple to operate, but the contrast evaluation accuracy decreases for specific evaluation areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different exposure conditions to different evaluation areas based on their specific functions. The first exposure condition is tailored for the first evaluation area during focus control, while the second exposure condition is tailored for the second evaluation area during tilt control. This ensures optimal contrast evaluation accuracy for each area's specific measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts exposure conditions based on the current control task (focus control or tilt control) and the specific evaluation area being used. The exposure controller selectively applies the first or second exposure condition depending on which control operation is being performed, optimizing measurement precision for each dynamic state of the system.
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 allows for rapid and accurate focus and angle adjustments, significantly reducing the time required to achieve optimal imaging conditions by improving the accuracy of focus and tilt angle control.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to photoelectrically convert an optical image formed through the imaging optical system
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a focus controller, an image sensor, an angle controller configured to change an angle of an imaging plane of the image sensor, an evaluation value acquirer configured to acquire a contrast evaluation value in a first evaluation area of the image sensor during a focus control, and to acquire a contrast evaluation value in a second evaluation area different from the first evaluation area during an angle control, and an exposure controller configured to control an exposure condition of the image sensor. The exposure controller determines a first exposure condition so as to provide a correct exposure value to the first evaluation area during the focus control, and determines a second exposure condition different from the first exposure so as to provide a correct exposure value to the second evaluation area during the angle control.