Zoom-Aware Sensor Shake Correction for Image-Center Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a zoom operation in imaging devices, the shift between the optical center and image center can cause the captured image to be enlarged based on the optical center, rather than the intended image center, leading to inconsistent imaging composition with user intention.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a sensor movement type shake correction mechanism that includes a zoom operation determination unit to restrict certain sensor movement operations, such as the shift operation, during zoom operations to maintain alignment between the optical and image centers, ensuring consistent imaging composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor movement type shake correction mechanism performs shift operation during zoom operation, then the optical center and image center become misaligned, but the shake correction function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the shake correction mechanism's operation mode based on the zoom operation state. When zoom operation is detected, the control unit switches from allowing shift operations (which maintain shake correction) to restricting shift operations (which maintain alignment). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to current operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of the optical center and image center before zoom operation begins, and maintains this alignment throughout the zoom operation by restricting shift operations. This preliminary action ensures that the alignment is established in advance, preventing the misalignment problem from occurring during zoom.
2Ease of operation
If the shift operation is allowed during zoom operation, then the main subject may move out of the frame, but the imaging composition becomes inconsistent with user intention
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically changes the operational constraints of the shake correction mechanism based on whether a zoom operation is正在进行. During zoom operation, it restricts shift operations to maintain composition consistency. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the system behavior matches user expectations during different operational phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sensor movement operation is restricted during zoom operation, then the alignment between optical center and image center is maintained, but the shake correction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: during zoom operation, it restricts shift operations to maintain alignment; during non-zoom operation, it allows shift operations to maintain shake correction capability. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by ensuring that only the necessary constraint is active at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of the optical center and image center before zoom operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that alignment is established in advance, allowing the system to maintain this alignment throughout the zoom operation without continuously adjusting, thus preserving shake correction capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens interchangeable digital camera includes an image sensor in which a subject image is formed on an imaging surface through an imaging optical system including a zoom lens and a sensor movement type shake correction mechanism that performs a sensor movement operation of moving the image sensor in a direction to cancel a shake. A zoom operation determination unit determines whether or not a zoom operation in which the zoom lens moves is being performed. In a case where the zoom operation determination unit determines that the zoom operation is being performed, an operation deciding unit prohibits a shift operation which is at least a part of a sensor movement operation which is allowed while the zoom operation is stopped.