Stereoscopic Lens Focus Difference Adjustment via User Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic lens apparatuses face challenges in maintaining focus alignment between two optical systems due to manufacturing errors and environmental factors, leading to unnoticed focus differences that affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus and stereoscopic lens apparatus with integrated focusing units and focus difference adjustment mechanisms, which include a processor to detect attachment and notify users to adjust focus differences, allowing independent movement of one optical system to correct focus disparities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two optical systems are arranged in parallel with parallax for stereoscopic imaging, then stereoscopic image capability is achieved, but focus difference between the two optical systems occurs due to manufacturing errors and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects focus differences between the two optical systems by comparing image sharpness metrics, and provides real-time feedback to guide users in adjusting the focus difference. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for manufacturing errors and environmental variations without requiring manual calibration expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically evaluating image sharpness from the image sensor to detect focus differences. Instead of requiring external calibration equipment or expert intervention, the system uses its own imaging capability to identify and guide correction of focus alignment issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If focus difference adjustment is made available to users, then focus alignment accuracy can be improved, but users may not notice the focus difference and fail to perform adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically evaluates image sharpness using metric calculation and provides visual feedback through notifications and icons on the display unit. This feedback loop makes the invisible focus difference visible to users, guiding them to perform necessary adjustments without requiring specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual indicators such as icons and color-coded notifications on the display unit to represent focus difference status. These visual signals attract user attention and communicate the need for adjustment in an intuitive manner, making the abstract concept of focus difference tangible and actionable for users.
3Measurement precision
If automatic detection and notification system is implemented, then focus adjustment can be prompted to users, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing image sensor and processor to perform focus difference detection, repurposing components already present in the imaging system. Instead of adding dedicated detection hardware, the system leverages the camera's own imaging capability and computational resources to evaluate image sharpness and detect focus issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor and processor serve multiple functions: capturing images for normal operation, evaluating image sharpness for focus difference detection, and providing visual feedback through the display unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus is attachable to, detachable from, and communicable with a stereoscopic lens apparatus that includes two optical systems arranged in parallel, a focusing unit configured to perform focusing that integrally moves the two optical systems, and a focus difference adjustment unit configured to perform focus difference adjustment for adjusting a focus difference between the two optical systems by independently moving one optical system of the two optical systems. The image pickup apparatus includes a memory storing instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to detect an attachment of the stereoscopic lens apparatus to the image pickup apparatus, and provide a notification prompting a user to perform the focus difference adjustment with the stereoscopic lens apparatus attached to the image pickup apparatus.