Variable Focus Area Control for Complex Object Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in focusing on a desired portion of an object, especially when the object has a complex shape or when there are objects at different distances within the same image, leading to perspective conflicts and difficulty in maintaining focus on the intended area.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that includes a distance measurement unit, statistical unit, size determination unit, contrast evaluation value calculation unit, and focusing unit, which calculates statistics on distance variations and adjusts the focus area size based on object complexity to optimize contrast evaluation and focus on the desired portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed focus area size is used for contrast evaluation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the focusing accuracy on objects with complex shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focus area size variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the size of the focus area based on the measured distance variation of points within the area. When distance variation is large (indicating complex shape), the focus area is reduced to improve focusing accuracy. When distance variation is small (indicating simple shape), the focus area is expanded to maintain adequate contrast evaluation.
2Reliability
If a large focus area is used for contrast evaluation, then the contrast evaluation is more reliable for simple objects, but the focusing accuracy on specific portions of complex objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the focus area size parameter based on the measured distance variation. The control unit calculates the standard deviation or variance of distances from reference points within the focus area, and uses this statistical measure to determine the appropriate focus area size. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that the focus area is appropriately sized for the specific object being imaged, balancing contrast evaluation reliability with focusing accuracy.
3Loss of information
If the focus area includes points with large distance variations, then more object information is captured, but the perspective conflict problem worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the measured distance variation as feedback to control the focus area size. The control unit continuously monitors the distance variation of points within the focus area and adjusts the focus area size accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the focus area is reduced when distance variation is large (preventing perspective conflict) and expanded when distance variation is small (capturing sufficient object information).
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 accurate focusing on any portion of an object regardless of its shape complexity, ensuring the intended area is in focus while minimizing the impact of objects at different distances, improving image clarity and detail capture.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit that captures an image of an object through an optical system including a focus lens
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a distance measurement unit that measures distance values of a plurality of points in a first area which has a focus point as a reference point; a statistical unit that calculates statistics indicating a variation in the measured distance values of the plurality of points in the first area; a size determination unit that determines the size of a second area which has the focus point as a reference point, on the basis of the calculated statistics; a contrast evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a contrast evaluation value on the basis of an image of the second area; and a focusing unit that moves a focus lens to a lens position determined on the basis of the calculated contrast evaluation value.