Imaging Device Zoom Method Optical Digital Area Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face issues with digital zoom, as it reduces image quality and introduces blur and distortion due to the reduction in pixel area, unlike optical zoom which maintains field-of-view information while reducing resolution.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting whether the zoom position is in an optical or digital zoom area and adjusting the focal length or cropping the image sensor's area accordingly, ensuring that the output image maintains consistent field-of-view information and resolution, thereby matching the visual effect of optical zoom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital zoom is used to extend zoom range beyond optical zoom, then zoom capability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to pixel area reduction and loss of field-of-view information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the zoom range into multiple segments: optical zoom area (first zoom area) and digital zoom area (second zoom area). By segmenting the zoom capability, the system can apply different processing methods to different segments, maintaining image quality in the optical zoom segment while extending zoom range through digital zoom segment with resolution adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter adaptively based on the zoom area. In the digital zoom area, the resolution is adjusted to match the cropped image resolution, preventing quality degradation. This parameter change allows digital zoom to maintain acceptable image quality by dynamically adapting resolution rather than using fixed high-resolution requirements.
2Speed
If digital zoom crops the image to achieve zoom effect, then zoom factor is improved, but field-of-view information is lost causing blur and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resolution as an intermediary parameter between the cropped image and the final output. By adjusting the resolution to match the cropped image resolution, the system mediates between the loss of field-of-view information during cropping and the need to maintain image quality, preventing blur and distortion in the final output.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical zoom is used to maintain image quality, then image clarity is improved, but zoom range is limited by optical zoom capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical zoom and digital zoom capabilities into a unified zoom system. By combining the high-quality imaging of optical zoom with the extended range of digital zoom and applying resolution adaptation, the system achieves both image clarity and extended zoom range that neither method could provide alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A zoom method, an image processing method of an imaging device and imaging device are disclosed. The zoom method includes: detecting, when determining to zoom, whether a zoom position of the imaging device is currently in a preset optical zoom area or a preset digital zoom area; compressing, if the zoom position of the imaging device is in the preset optical zoom area and a first image containing a specified target is collected by the image sensor, the first image into a second image, and outputting the second image; selecting, if the zoom position of the imaging device is in the preset optical zoom area, a target sensing area from a sensing area of the imaging sensor according, and cropping a third image collected by the image sensor according to the target sensing area to obtain a fourth image and outputting the fourth image.