Imaging Focus Control Using Multi-Time-Point Subject Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in achieving precise focus control, particularly when subjects move during image capture, leading to inaccuracies in focus adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus employs a processor to detect a subject area at multiple time points, using pixel data from different time points to generate control signals for the lens drive mechanism, selectively utilizing focus positions based on data from these time points to improve focus accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If focus control is performed using pixel data from a single time point, then the control process is simple and fast, but focus accuracy deteriorates when subjects move during capture
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the focus control process based on subject movement detection. When movement is detected between time points, the system transitions from using single-time-point data to multi-time-point data, making the process complexity dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by only increasing complexity when necessary for accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of pixel data usage from a single time point to multiple time points based on subject movement conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves high focus accuracy when needed while maintaining simplicity when subjects are stationary.
2Measurement precision
If pixel data from multiple time points is used for focus control, then focus accuracy improves for moving subjects, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic processing by detecting subject movement between time points and only invoking multi-time-point processing when movement is detected. This dynamic approach minimizes processing time for stationary subjects while ensuring accurate focus for moving subjects, resolving the time-accuracy trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment by detecting subject movement and automatically determines whether multi-time-point processing is necessary. This self-service mechanism avoids unnecessary processing overhead while ensuring accuracy is maintained when required.
3Measurement precision
If subject movement is not accounted for in focus control, then processing is simpler and faster, but focus precision deteriorates when subjects shift position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary subject movement detection by comparing pixel data from different time points before executing the main focus control processing. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare the appropriate processing path in advance, ensuring precision for moving subjects without unnecessarily complicating the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary subject movement detection step that bridges the simple processing path and the complex multi-time-point processing path. This intermediary mechanism determines which path to take based on actual subject conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging element that images a subject through an imaging optical system; and a processor, and the processor is configured to: detect a subject area as a second area from pixel data obtained by the imaging element at a second time point; and output, to a lens drive mechanism of the imaging optical system, a control signal generated by selectively using a first focus position based on data of the second area in the pixel data obtained at the second time point and a second focus position based on data of the second area in pixel data obtained by the imaging element at a third time point after the second time point.