Stereoscopic Auto-Focus via Coordinated Lens Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic focus in stereoscopic imaging devices is challenging due to the need to coordinate multiple lenses with slightly shifted fields of view, which can result in poor image quality if not properly synchronized.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically focusing stereoscopic imaging devices involves performing focus searches in both imaging sensor systems, sharing focal information to ensure both lenses focus on the same object, with options including sequential, concurrent, or offline analysis of focal scores to determine the optimal lens positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each lens is focused independently, then the focus search process is simpler, but each lens could end up focusing on different objects resulting in poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the focus search results from the first imaging sensor system to guide and adjust the focus search in the second imaging sensor system. The processor compares focal information from both systems and uses this feedback to coordinate the lens positions, ensuring both lenses focus on the same object while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives focal information from both imaging sensor systems, processes this information, and determines coordinated lens positions. This intermediary component enables communication and coordination between the two independently operating lens systems, ensuring they converge on the same focus point.
2Manufacturing precision
If focal information is shared between imaging sensor systems, then both lenses can focus on the same object, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focus search processes of both imaging sensor systems by having the processor receive and integrate focal information from both systems. This combining approach allows coordinated focusing while sharing the processing workload, reducing overall system complexity compared to fully independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor performs multiple functions: it conducts the initial focus search, receives focal information from both imaging sensor systems, processes and compares this information, and determines the final lens positions for both systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task.
3Device complexity
If focus searches are performed sequentially, then the processing is simpler, but the total focusing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary focus search in the first imaging sensor system before finalizing the focus for both systems. This preliminary action provides initial focal information that guides subsequent processing, allowing for optimized focusing time while maintaining processing simplicity through the sequential determination of lens positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for automatic focus in a stereographic imaging device that includes two imaging sensor systems are provided. Focus searches are executed on both imaging sensor systems to determine optimal focused lens positions for each. The focus searches may be executed currently or sequentially, and may be at differing lens position granularities. Focal scores and spatial locations, i.e., the locations of focus regions, may be shared between the imaging sensor systems to coordinate the focus searches. Touchscreen coordinates may also be used to coordinate the focus searches.