Hidden autofocus

• US 7,697,834 B1
• Filed: 10/13/2006
• Issued: 04/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation MEMS (Adeia Inc.)
• Original Assignee: SIIMPEL CORPORATION (Adeia Inc.)
• Inventors: Tsai, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Koval; Melissa J
• Application Number:
  US11/549,381
• Time in Patent Office: 1,278 Days
• Field of Search: 396/147
• US Class Current: 396/147
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/38 measured at different points on the optical axis , e.g. focussing on two or more planes and comparing image data
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 13/30 indicating depth of field
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/675 comprising setting of focusing regions

Abstract

In a method and system for focusing a camera focus can be repeatedly alternated between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions. An image can be displayed when the focus position is the original focus position. The image can be suppressed at other focus positions when the images are out of focus. The image can be displayed at one of the other focus position when the image is in focus. In this manner, the display of annoying and distracting unfocused images is mitigated.

Claims

1. A method for focusing a camera, the method comprising:

repeatedly alternating a focus position of an optical element between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions while a new focus position is being determined;

displaying an image when the focus position of an optical element is the original focus position;

displaying no images at other focus positions which have not been determined to be a best focus position; and

displaying an image at one of the other focus positions which has best determined to be the best focus position.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising reducing a frame rate of the camera while the new focus position is being determined.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising using a formula to predict a next focus position to test for best focus.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising testing focus using a plurality of steps for moving the optical element a predetermined distance with respect to the imager to avoid a false determination of best focus due to a local optimum.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the original focus position is a best focus position for a previous scene.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the other focus positions are focus positions at which an autofocus mechanism is testing focus for best focus.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein repeatedly alternating focus between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions comprises repeatedly focusing at the original focus position for one frame and focusing at one of the other focus positions for one frame, the other focus positions being different from one another.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein repeatedly alternating focus between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions comprises moving at least one lens.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein repeatedly alternating focus between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions comprises using a mechanism with substantially no hysteresis to effect focusing.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein repeatedly alternating focus between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions comprises using a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mechanism to effect focusing.

11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein displaying an image comprises displaying the image on a display of the camera.

12. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein focus is determined by a passive focusing mechanism.

13. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising analyzing an image from an imaging sensor to determine whether the image is in focus.

14. An autofocus mechanism for a camera, the autofocus mechanism comprising:

an imager;

an optical element for focusing an image upon the imager;

an actuator for moving the optical element;

a position controller for controlling movement of the actuator;

an autofocus circuit for determining when an image is in focus;

a display device for displaying an in focus image;

wherein the imager, the optical element, the actuator, the position controller, and the autofocus circuit cooperate to repeatedly alternate focus between an original position and a plurality of other positions;

wherein the autofocus circuit facilitates displaying an image on the display device when the optical element is at the original position;

wherein the autofocus circuit facilitates not displaying an image on the display device when the optical element is at other positions and the image is out of focus; and

wherein the autofocus circuit facilitates displaying an image on the display device when the optical element is in a new position and the image is in focus.

15. The autofocus mechanism as recited in claim 14, wherein the optical element comprises at least one lens.

16. The autofocus mechanism as recited in claim 14, wherein the actuator comprises a MEMS actuator.

17. The autofocus mechanism as recited in claim 14, wherein the autofocus circuit provides a display enable signal to facilitate displaying an image.

18. The autofocus mechanism as recited in claim 14, wherein the autofocus circuit comprises a general purpose computer.

19. The autofocus mechanism as recited in claim 14, wherein the autofocus circuit comprises a digital signal processor.

20. The autofocus circuit as recited in claim 14, wherein the imager, the optical element, the actuator, the position controller, and the autofocus circuit are configured to be used in a personal electronic device.

21. The autofocus circuit as recited in claim 14, wherein the imager, the optical element, the actuator, the position controller, and the autofocus circuit are configured to be used in a cellular telephone.

22. A method for varying a parameter of a camera, the method comprising:

repeatedly alternating the parameter between an original value and a plurality of other values while a new value for the parameter is to being determined;

displaying an image when the parameter has the original value;

displaying no images when the parameter has other values which have not been determined to be a best value; and

displaying an image when the parameter has a value which has best determined to be the best value.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein the parameter is selected from the list comprising:

focus;

white balance;

exposure time; and

aperture.