{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854151","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854151","title":"Imaging device and focusing control method","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-03-25T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":4,"abstract":"The present invention provides an imaging device and a focusing control method capable of enhancing accuracy of moving subject estimation while reducing the computation of the moving subject estimation used in a case of continuously performing focusing with respect to the moving subject. A system control unit (11) predicts a subject distance in an imaging process of a third frame from information about subject distances obtained in an imaging process of a first frame and an imaging process of a second frame, calculates an error with respect to the predicted subject distance from information about a maximum error with respect to a focus lens position to be calculated, and performs lens driving based on a predicted focus lens position instead of a focusing control based on the predicted subject distance in a case that the error of the subject distance is large."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Imaging Device and Focusing Control Method patent introduces an innovative approach to enhancing the accuracy of moving subject estimation in imaging devices while simultaneously reducing computational demands. The core innovation lies in predicting the subject distance in a third frame using information from the first two frames. This predictive capability significantly reduces the processing power required for continuous focusing on moving subjects.\n\nThe problem being solved is the inherent difficulty in accurately focusing on moving subjects with traditional autofocus systems. These systems often struggle to keep up with rapid movements, leading to blurred images and missed opportunities. The patent addresses this challenge by predicting the subject's future position and adjusting the lens accordingly.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a system control unit that predicts subject distance and calculates the error with respect to the predicted distance. If the error is large, the system intelligently switches to lens driving based on a predicted focus lens position instead of relying solely on subject distance predictions. This adaptive approach ensures accurate focus even when predictions are unreliable.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are vast. It can be applied to consumer cameras, automotive safety systems, medical imaging devices, and robotics. The enhanced accuracy and reduced computational demands make it particularly valuable in resource-constrained environments.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as the demand for high-quality imaging and video continues to grow. The Imaging Device and Focusing Control Method patent provides a competitive advantage by offering a more robust and efficient solution for focusing on moving subjects. This can lead to increased market share and revenue for companies that adopt this technology.","layman_explanation":"The Imaging Device and Focusing Control Method patent addresses the challenge of maintaining sharp focus on moving objects in imaging devices like cameras. Existing autofocus systems often struggle to keep up with fast movements, resulting in blurry images. This patent provides a solution by predicting the future position of the moving object and adjusting the lens accordingly.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\nThe primary problem is the difficulty in capturing clear images of moving subjects. Traditional autofocus systems rely on real-time measurements, which can be slow and inaccurate when the subject is moving rapidly. This leads to blurry images, especially in situations where quick reactions are needed, such as sports photography or automotive safety.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\nInstead of just reacting to the current position of the object, this innovation anticipates where the object will be in the near future. Think of it like a baseball player predicting where the ball will land. The system uses information from previous images to estimate the object's trajectory. Based on this prediction, the camera lens is adjusted proactively to maintain focus. To ensure accuracy, the system also monitors the actual position of the lens and compares it to the predicted position. If the difference is too large, the system switches to a more traditional focusing method to correct the error.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\nThis technology has significant implications for various industries. In consumer electronics, it can lead to better smartphone cameras and camcorders. In automotive safety, it can improve the performance of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). In medical imaging, it can enable more accurate diagnoses. The competitive advantage lies in its ability to provide sharper images with less computational power.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\nFuture applications could include integration with artificial intelligence to further improve the accuracy of predictions. Market adoption is likely to be driven by the increasing demand for high-quality imaging in various sectors. Investment implications are positive, as this technology has the potential to disrupt the imaging market.","technical_analysis":"The Imaging Device and Focusing Control Method patent details a system designed to improve autofocus performance, particularly when dealing with moving subjects. The core of the system involves a predictive algorithm that estimates the future position of the subject based on information gathered from previous frames. This predicted subject distance is then used to adjust the focus lens, anticipating the subject's movement.\n\nThe technical architecture consists of several key components: an imaging sensor, a system control unit, a lens driving mechanism, and an error calculation module. The imaging sensor captures the initial frames, which are then processed by the system control unit. The system control unit implements the predictive algorithm and calculates the error between the predicted subject distance and the actual lens position.\n\nThe implementation details involve the selection of an appropriate predictive algorithm. The patent does not specify a particular algorithm, leaving room for various options such as linear extrapolation, Kalman filtering, or more advanced machine learning techniques. The choice of algorithm will depend on the specific application and the characteristics of the moving subject.\n\nThe error calculation module is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the system. It compares the predicted subject distance with the actual lens position and determines whether the error exceeds a predefined threshold. If the error is too large, the system switches to a more direct lens driving mode, bypassing the predictive model.\n\nThe integration patterns involve seamless communication between the various components of the system. The imaging sensor must provide accurate and timely data to the system control unit, and the system control unit must be able to quickly adjust the lens driving mechanism. The performance characteristics of the system will depend on the speed and accuracy of the predictive algorithm, as well as the responsiveness of the lens driving mechanism.\n\nThe code-level implications involve the implementation of the predictive algorithm, the error calculation module, and the lens driving control logic. These components must be carefully optimized to minimize computational overhead and ensure real-time performance.","business_analysis":"The Imaging Device and Focusing Control Method patent presents a significant business opportunity in the imaging technology market. The core innovation of this patent lies in its ability to enhance the accuracy of moving subject estimation while reducing computational demands, addressing a key challenge in various industries.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, with applications spanning consumer electronics, automotive, medical imaging, and robotics. In the consumer electronics sector, the technology can improve the performance of smartphone cameras and camcorders, leading to enhanced user experience and increased sales. In the automotive industry, it can enhance the accuracy of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), improving safety and reliability. In medical imaging, it can enable more precise and accurate diagnoses, leading to better patient outcomes. And in robotics, it can improve the performance of object recognition and tracking systems, enabling more autonomous and efficient operations.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to predict subject distance, reduce computational demands, and adapt to errors in prediction. These advantages differentiate it from existing autofocus systems, which often struggle with fast-moving subjects and require significant processing power.\n\nThe revenue potential is high, with opportunities to license the technology to various manufacturers and integrate it into a wide range of products. The business models can include licensing fees, royalties, and joint ventures. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a key need in the imaging market and offers a clear competitive advantage.\n\nThe ROI projections are favorable, with the potential for significant returns on investment. The reduced computational demands of this technology can lead to lower manufacturing costs and increased efficiency. The enhanced accuracy and reliability can lead to increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.","faqs":null,"topics":["imaging device","focusing control","moving subject estimation","predictive focusing","autofocus","imaging","device","focusing"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Imaging Device and Focusing Control Method - Patent US-9854151","description":"Discover the Imaging Device and Focusing Control Method that enhances moving subject estimation accuracy. Predictive focusing and reduced computational demands.","keywords":["imaging device","focusing control","moving subject estimation","predictive focusing","autofocus","camera technology","patent","patent US-9854151"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854151","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854151","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Imaging device and focusing control method\" (US-9854151). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854151","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854151","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854151","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T01:52:32.416Z"}