Light-field Image Capture with Region-Specific Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional focus adjustment methods in digital imaging are limited to a single focal point, resulting in all objects at the same range appearing sharp while those out of focus appearing fuzzy, and do not allow for dynamic focus adjustment on multiple ranges or objects within a scene.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device that captures light-field information using multi-aperture optics or plenoptic systems, allowing for a user interface to select and adjust focus for specific regions of a scene in real-time by displaying a preview and applying a spatial selection mask to the captured light-field data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional focus adjustment is used with a single focal point, then all objects at the same range appear sharp and objects out of focus appear fuzzy, but it is not possible to achieve different focus settings for multiple ranges or objects simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple depth ranges or regions, allowing each region to have independent focus settings. This segmentation enables different parts of the scene to be focused on separately, resolving the contradiction by providing versatile focus control without requiring a completely new system - just a refined approach to existing focus adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment where the focal plane can be changed interactively during the capture process. Users can select different depth ranges and adjust focus settings in real-time, making the system adaptable to different focusing needs without requiring multiple separate capture operations or complex hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light-field information is captured using multi-aperture optics or plenoptic systems, then synthetic images can be constructed at different focus positions, but the process requires post-processing and is limited to previously-captured light-fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary capture of light-field information using multi-aperture optics or plenoptic systems, storing the raw data in a format that enables rapid synthetic image generation. By preparing the light-field data in advance during the capture phase, the system reduces post-processing time and enables flexible focus adjustment without waiting for extensive computational processing after the scene is captured.
3Ease of operation
If a user interface is added for selecting and adjusting focus for specific regions, then on-the-fly focus adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified representation or copy of the scene's depth information through the user interface, allowing users to interact with a visual abstraction of the light-field data. This copying approach enables focus selection without requiring users to understand or manipulate the complex underlying light-field capture and processing mechanisms, thus improving ease of operation while keeping the interface relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device includes capture optics for capturing light-field information for a scene. A display screen displays a preview of the scene by using the captured light-field information at a default focal plane. The display displays a user interface for accepting a user selection of a region in the preview together with a user selection of focus for the selected region.