Electronic Viewfinder Parallax Correction via Image Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance cameras with both optical and electronic finders lack a double-image coincidence rangefinder system, which is essential for focusing by displaying image alignment feedback to the user.
Innovation Solution
A camera system incorporating a lens barrel with a focusing ring, a solid-state electronic image sensing device, a display unit, and a deflecting unit that adjusts the image display on the screen to show alignment offset when the image is out of focus, and coincidence when in focus, allowing the user to see the optical and electronic images align.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a double-image coincidence rangefinder system is applied to a camera with both optical and electronic finders, then focusing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical finder and electronic finder into a unified viewfinder system, merging their functions to display both optical and electronic images simultaneously. This integration allows the double-image coincidence system to operate within the existing finder structure, improving focusing accuracy without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The viewfinder system is designed to serve multiple functions: it displays both optical and electronic images, provides focusing guidance through image coincidence, and maintains compatibility with both optical and electronic viewfinder modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise focusing while utilizing existing hardware components efficiently
2Ease of operation
If the image within the AF target area is displayed to show alignment offset when out of focus, then focusing guidance is improved, but display control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying the alignment state of the AF target area image relative to the optical image. When the images are misaligned, the display shows the offset, guiding the user to adjust focus. When aligned, the images coincide, confirming proper focus. This feedback mechanism improves ease of operation by making focusing status immediately visible
Solution Approach 2:
The display control unit pre-configures the display to show the AF target area image in a manner that facilitates focus judgment. By establishing the display geometry and alignment reference in advance, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during focusing, reducing display control complexity while maintaining effective focusing guidance
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 a double-image coincidence finder system that helps users achieve accurate focusing by visually aligning optical and electronic images, enhancing focusing accuracy and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a deflecting unit, which is provided between the objective window and the eyepiece window, for introducing the image within the AF target area, which is being displayed on the display screen of the display unit, to the eyepiece window
Implementation Method 2
a solid-state electronic image sensing device for capturing the image of a subject, which is being formed by the focusing lens, and outputting image data representing the image of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image obtained by superimposing the image of the subject, which is displayed on the display screen of an electronic viewfinder, upon the optical image of the subject can be seen by the user looking through a finder unit. Display position on the display screen of the electronic viewfinder is shifted so as to correct for parallax between the finder unit and the solid-state electronic image sensing device. When the image of the subject is in focus, the optical image of the subject and the electronically captured image of the subject coincide. When the image of the subject is not in focus, the optical image and the electronically captured image are offset from each other. Correct focus can be achieved while observing the extent of offset between these images of the subject through the finder unit.