Multi-Object Lens Positioning via Focus Score Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image capture devices, such as cameras, face challenges in focusing on multiple objects simultaneously due to the limitations of simple passive autofocus systems that lack depth detection mechanisms, often prioritizing objects with higher focus scores over others, leading to poor image quality when trying to maintain focus on all objects within the frame.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a position module to determine initial lens positions for each object with the highest quality, a scoring module to calculate focus scores based on contrast, color differential, and edge detection, and a calculation module to set a final lens position between these initial positions, along with an aperture control module to optimize depth of field, ensuring multiple objects are in focus without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple passive autofocus system is used to focus on objects, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot focus on multiple objects simultaneously and prioritizes objects with higher focus scores over others
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts lens position based on real-time focus score calculations for multiple objects. The calculation module continuously computes focus scores using contrast, color differential, and edge detection, then determines optimal lens positions that maximize focus for multiple objects simultaneously, enabling the system to adapt to various scene configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to autofocus by considering not just the single highest focus score object, but multiple objects simultaneously. The calculation module evaluates focus scores across different depth planes and spatial positions, transforming the traditional one-dimensional focus optimization into a multi-dimensional approach that accommodates multiple objects at different distances
2Manufacturing precision
If the lens position is set to focus on the object with the highest focus score, then the image quality of that object is improved, but other objects in the frame may be out of focus
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the focus optimization of multiple objects into a single lens position determination. The calculation module combines focus score data from multiple objects and determines a unified lens position that optimizes focus for all selected objects simultaneously, rather than optimizing for each object separately
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of lens position based on calculated focus scores. The calculation module computes focus scores using multiple parameters (contrast, color differential, edge detection) and adjusts lens position accordingly, enabling the system to achieve optimal focus for multiple objects by finding a position that maximizes overall focus quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If the depth of field is increased to include more objects, then more objects are in focus, but the image quality deteriorates due to longer exposure times and greater camera shake
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by selecting only the necessary depth range to include the most important objects. The calculation module identifies which objects require focus and determines the minimal lens position adjustment needed to achieve focus for those specific objects, avoiding unnecessary increase in depth of field that would compromise image quality
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 high-quality images with multiple objects in focus by minimizing the depth of field size, reducing exposure times, and maintaining sharpness, thereby addressing the limitations of existing autofocus systems.
Implementation Method 1
a scoring module to calculate focus scores based on contrast, color differential, and edge detection
Implementation Method 2
a scoring module to calculate focus scores based on contrast, color differential, and edge detection
Implementation Method 3
a lens system, a focus scoring system, and an aperture control system. The lens system may include a lens and mechanical parts for moving the lens to different positions along a horizontal axis
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to setting a lens position based on focus scores. A plurality of initial positions of a lens are determined. Each of the initial positions may correspond to a position of the lens at which one of a plurality of objects has a highest quality. A focus score may be determined at each of the initial positions for the corresponding object having the highest quality. A final position of the lens between two of the initial positions may be calculated based on the focus scores.