Phase Difference Heat Haze Detection in Image Capturing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focus detection systems in cameras fail to accurately detect focus due to heat haze distortions, especially when the object is moving, leading to erroneous heat haze determination.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a light receiving sensor and processor that calculates phase differences between image signals from two pupil regions of the image capturing lens, allowing for accurate focus detection and heat haze determination by analyzing phase differences in orthogonal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase difference detection is used for focus detection, then focus detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when heat haze occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase difference detection into two orthogonal directions (first direction and second direction). The first phase difference in the first direction is used for focus detection, while the second phase difference in the second direction is used for heat haze determination. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between actual focus information and heat haze distortion, resolving the contradiction between maintaining focus detection capability and ensuring reliability under heat haze conditions.
2Reliability
If motion vectors between frames are used to detect heat haze, then heat haze detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when object is moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second orthogonal direction for phase difference calculation, adding a dimensional perspective to heat haze detection. Instead of relying solely on temporal motion vectors between frames (which fail when objects move), the system uses spatial phase difference in a direction orthogonal to the focus detection direction. This dimensional change allows distinction between object motion and heat haze distortion, improving measurement precision while maintaining heat haze detection capability.
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
Enables precise focus detection and heat haze identification, reducing release time lag and improving image capturing efficiency by distinguishing actual object movement from heat haze distortions.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving sensor including two-dimensionally arranged pixels and configured to photoelectrically convert a pair of object images
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes a light receiving sensor including two-dimensionally arranged pixels and configured to photoelectrically convert a pair of object images and to output a first image signal and a second image signal, each of the first image signal and the second image signal corresponding to a respective object image of the pair of object images; a calculation unit configured to calculate a first phase difference between the first image signal and the second image signal in the first direction and a second phase difference in a second direction; a focus detection unit configured to calculate a first focus detection result based on the first phase difference; and a determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of heat haze based on the second phase difference.