Focus verification in a digital imaging device
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsDaniel Bloom, Jason Yost, Stephen Pollard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are digital imaging devices that embody a method or algorithm for transitioning from a displayable focus process to a high speed focus process which can be displayed, and wherein the transition is accomplished in a seamless fashion. In addition, the digital imaging devices may embody a method for quickly verifying the focus quality of the image. If the focus quality is acceptable, the device indicates that focus is good and avoids a long auto-focus time.
Claims11
A method for use in a digital imaging device having an image sensor, an image display, a shutter button that is depressible to preview and image capture positions, and a processor for processing image and focus data using a focus algorithm, comprising:
- checking if all focus zones exist within a fast focus region comprising a portion of the image sensor;
- if all the zones do not reside in this region, expanding the size of the region to include all of the focus zones;
- interrupting presentation of images to a user;
- and
- executing a focus process using an image pattern derived from the fast focus region of the image sensor;
- eliminating image stabilization of a focus zone for which there is no hardware assist for adjusting the focus zone when the focus process cannot handle an increased frame rate.
A method for use in a digital imaging device having an image sensor, an image display, a shutter button that is depressible to preview and image capture positions, and a processor for processing image and focus data using a focus algorithm, comprising:
- taking a predetermined number of sample images near a current focus position;
- computing a sharpness figure-of-merit for each image;
- if only one sample is taken, analyzing the sample to see if acceptable sharpness is present;
- if two or more samples are taken, processing the sharpness figure-of-merit for each image to spot trends in focus quality and identify the best focus position;
- if the sharpness or figure-of-merit is acceptable, positioning the lens at the focus position corresponding to the acceptable sharpness figure-of-merit;
- and
- eliminating image stabilization of a focus zone for which there is no hardware assist for adjusting the focus zone when the processor cannot handle an increased frame rate when the focus position is changed.
A digital imaging device comprising:
- an image sensor;
- an image display;
- a shutter button that is depressible to preview and image capture positions;
- and
- a processor for processing image and focus data using a focus algorithm that:
- determines if all focus zones exist within a fast focus region comprising a portion of the image sensor;
- if all the zones do not reside in this region, expands the size of the region to include all of the focus zones;
- interrupts display of images to a user on the image display;
- executes a focus process using an image pattern derived from the fast focus region of the image sensor;
- and
- eliminates image stabilization of a focus zone for which there is no hardware assist for adjusting the focus zone when the focus process cannot handle an increased frame rate.
A digital imaging device comprising:
- image sensing means for sensing an image;
- image display means for displaying a sensed image;
- shutter means that is depressible to preview and image capture positions;
- and
- processor means for processing image and focus data using a focus algorithm that:
- determines if all focus zones exist within a predetermined portion of the image sensor;
- if all the zones do not reside in this region, enlarges the size of the region to include all of the focus zones;
- interrupts display of images on the image display means;
- executes a focus process using an image pattern derived from the fast focus region of the image sensor;
- and
- eliminates image stabilization of a focus zone for which there is no hardware assist for adjusting the focus zone if the focus process cannot handle a higher frame rate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.