18049601. METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING A PHASE DETECTION AUTOFOCUS (PDAF) OPTICAL SYSTEM simplified abstract (QUALCOMM Incorporated)
METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING A PHASE DETECTION AUTOFOCUS (PDAF) OPTICAL SYSTEM
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Zuguang Xiao of San Diego CA (US)
Wenbin Wang of San Diego CA (US)
METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING A PHASE DETECTION AUTOFOCUS (PDAF) OPTICAL SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18049601 titled 'METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING A PHASE DETECTION AUTOFOCUS (PDAF) OPTICAL SYSTEM
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an apparatus and methods that use a PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus) optical system. The apparatus includes an image sensor with pixels that can be configured as imaging pixels or focus pixels. The image sensor generates image data based on received light at the pixels. The apparatus also includes a processor that receives image data of a scene, determines regions of interest or non-interest in the scene, selects a subset of pixels to be focus pixels based on the determined regions, and causes the selected pixels to operate as focus pixels.
- The apparatus uses a PDAF optical system to improve auto focus capabilities in capturing images.
- The image sensor has pixels that can be dynamically configured as imaging or focus pixels.
- The processor analyzes the image data and determines regions of interest or non-interest in the scene.
- Based on the determined regions, a subset of pixels is selected to be focus pixels.
- The selected focus pixels are then used to improve the focus accuracy of the captured images.
Potential Applications
- This technology can be used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other devices with image sensors to enhance auto focus capabilities.
- It can improve the speed and accuracy of focusing in various photography and videography applications.
Problems Solved
- Traditional auto focus systems may struggle to accurately focus on specific regions of interest in a scene.
- This technology solves the problem by dynamically selecting focus pixels based on the determined regions of interest or non-interest.
- It improves the overall focus accuracy and performance of the imaging system.
Benefits
- The use of a PDAF optical system and dynamically configurable focus pixels improves the auto focus capabilities of the apparatus.
- It allows for faster and more accurate focusing, resulting in better quality images and videos.
- The ability to determine regions of interest or non-interest helps optimize the focus performance for different scenes and subjects.
Original Abstract Submitted
Apparatus and methods employing a PDAF optical system are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels include a set of pixels configurable to be imaging pixels or focus pixels. The image sensor is configured to generate image data of a scene based on received light at the plurality of pixels. The example apparatus also includes a processor coupled to the image sensor. The processor may be configured to receive first image data of a first frame of the scene, determine at least one region of interest or region of non-interest of the first frame, select, based on the determined at least one region of interest or region of non-interest, a subset of the set of pixels to be focus pixels, and cause the selected subset of the set of pixels to operate as focus pixels.
