Imaging Device Pupil Autofocus Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing autofocus systems in imaging apparatuses face challenges in coordinating appropriate autofocus operations and display controls between still image capturing mode and moving image capturing mode, leading to inconsistent user experiences.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a technology that allows for specific autofocus and display control configurations in both still image and moving image capturing modes, utilizing a camera control unit to manage focus lens operations and display pupil AF targets differently based on mode, with features like auto, right-eye fixed, and left-eye fixed modes, and continuous or single autofocus settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single autofocus operation is used for both still image and moving image capturing modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the autofocus performance and user experience are compromised in one or both modes
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus dynamically switches between single autofocus operation and separate autofocus operations based on the capturing mode. In still image mode, a first autofocus operation is performed, while in moving image mode, a second autofocus operation is performed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize autofocus performance for each mode without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the autofocus operation parameters based on the capturing mode. The control configuration is adjusted to perform different autofocus operations (first vs. second) depending on whether the apparatus is in still image or moving image mode, allowing optimized performance for each mode through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.
2Reliability
If different autofocus operations are implemented for still image and moving image modes, then the autofocus performance is optimized for each mode, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control configuration that automatically selects the appropriate autofocus operation based on the current capturing mode. The control unit switches between the first autofocus operation (for still images) and the second autofocus operation (for moving images) without requiring separate physical systems, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity through dynamic software control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mode-specific display controls are implemented, then the user experience is enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The display control unit dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the capturing mode. In still image mode, it displays information relevant to the first autofocus operation, while in moving image mode, it displays information relevant to the second autofocus operation. This dynamic adaptation provides mode-specific optimization without requiring the user to manually configure complex settings, as the system automatically selects the appropriate display behavior.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a detection unit that detects a pupil in a captured image; an autofocus control unit that executes a pupil autofocus control to perform autofocus on the pupil detected by the detection unit according to a predetermined operation in a still image capturing mode, and executes a pupil autofocus control when the pupil is detected by the detection unit in a moving image capturing mode; and a display control unit that performs a control to display a pupil frame indicating the pupil that is in focus on the captured monitor image when focusing is achieved by the pupil autofocus control.