(12) United States Patent
`Kermani
`
`USOO6812968B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,812,968 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Nov. 2, 2004
`
`EP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`(54) CAMERA WITH CONFIGURABLE FOCUS
`AREA
`(75) Inventor: Bahram Ghaffarzadeh Kermani,
`Whitehall, PA (US)
`(73) Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc., Murray Hill,
`NJ (US)
`-
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`c:
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/399,432
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 20, 1999
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/114,728, filed on Dec. 31,
`1998.
`(51) Int. Cl." ........................ H04N 5/232; G03B 13/00;
`GO3B 3700
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................... 348/345; 348/348; 348/375;
`396/124
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 348/345, 346,
`348/347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353,
`354, 355, 356, 357, 373, 375; 376/121,
`122, 123, 124
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`8/1971 Harvey ....................... 95/44 C
`3,599,552 A
`3,691.922 A 9/1972 Konig et al. ................ 95/44 R
`4,240,726 A 12/1980 Wick .................
`... 354/25
`4,335,942 A 6/1982 Tsunekawa et al. ........... 354/25
`4,638,364 A 1/1987 Hiramatsu .........
`... 358/227
`5,038,164 A 8/1991 Harada ....................... 354/400
`5,061,954 A 10/1991 Toyama et al. ............. 354/402
`5,128,705 A 7/1992 Someya et al. ............. 354/400
`5,187,585 A 2/1993 Kaneda et al. .............. 358/227
`5,196,929 A * 3/1993 Miyasaka ................... 348/169
`5,307,112 A 4/1994 Aoyama ..................... 354/406
`
`
`
`5,749,000 A * 5/1998 Nari
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 396/121
`
`10 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`Y/1 - 2
`
`aCCaC a
`
`- - -
`
`5,349,415 A 9/1994 Nishida ...................... 354/432
`5,416,518 A 5/1995 Lee et al. ...
`... 348/349
`5,473.403 A 12/1995 Suda et al. .......
`... 354/409
`2. A : g tly
`al. .......... 3.
`5,649.240 A * 7/1997 Saegusa .........
`... 396/124
`5,808,678 A * 9/1998 SE"- - - - -
`... 348/333.03
`6,088,060 A * 7/2000 Suda et al. ....
`... 348/350
`6,670,991 B1 * 12/2003 Takagi et al. ..
`... 348/349
`6,670,992 B2 12/2003 Irie ............................ 348/350
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`O 399 232
`11/1990 .......... HO4N/5/232
`59105773 A * 6/1984 ............ HO4N/5/26
`61018271. A * 1/1986 .......... HO4N/5/232
`O3187580 A * 8/1991
`.......... HO4N/5/232
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Canon, EOS A2 A2E, 1992.
`Canon, EOS Elan II Elan IIE, 1995.
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Wendy R. Garber
`ASSistant Examiner Justin Misleh
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`An imaging device having a configurable focus area com
`prising: (a) an imaging System for generating a Video signal
`of an image within a field of View, wherein the imaging
`System is adapted to adjust the focal point of the image
`according to an adjustment signal; and (b) a focusing System
`comprising: (i) a configuration device for facilitating con
`figuration of a focus area within the field of view; and (ii)
`autofocusing circuitry coupled to the imaging System and
`the configuration device, the autofocusing circuitry being
`configured for correlating a configured focus area to a
`portion of the Video signal, analyzing the portion for
`resolution, and effecting an adjustment Signal to the imaging
`System to adjust the focal point of the image to improve the
`resolution of the configured focus area.
`
`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 1
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 2, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
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`US 6,812,968 B1
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`FIG. 1
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`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 2
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 2, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
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`US 6,812,968 B1
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`
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`FIG. 2
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`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 3
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 2, 2004
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`Sheet 3 of 5
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`US 6,812,968 B1
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`FIG. 3A
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`FIG. 3B
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`2 (2)
`O Sl Ses,
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`FIG. 3C
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`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 4
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US 6,812,968 B1
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`
`
`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 5
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 2, 2004
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`US 6,812,968 B1
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`FIG. 5
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`CAPTURE OF
`S FRAME
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`CHANGE POSITION
`OF MOTOR IN
`1- DIRECTION
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`501
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`502
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`COMPUTE A
`BETWEEN S S
`2ND FRAMES
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`504
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`DETERMINE
`NEXT POSITION
`OF MOTOR
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`CHANGE
`POSITION OF
`MOTOR
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`507
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`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 6
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
`
`

`

`1
`CAMERA WITH CONFIGURABLE FOCUS
`AREA
`
`US 6,812,968 B1
`
`2
`for a configurable focus area. A configurable focus area
`enables the user to position the desired focus area anywhere
`within the field of view. This way, the user is not limited to
`predefined focus areas that may not target the object upon
`which the user desires to focus. Additionally, the config
`urable focus area of the present invention may be adapted to
`allow the user to adjust the size and/or shape of the area.
`One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device
`having a focus area configuration device and Supporting
`circuitry for configuring a focus area within the field of view.
`In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises: (a) an
`imaging System for generating a Video signal of an image
`within a field of view, wherein the imaging System is
`adapted to adjust the focal point of the image according to
`an adjustment signal; and (b) a focusing System comprising:
`(i) a configuration device for positioning a focus area within
`the field of view; and (ii) autofocusing circuitry coupled to
`the imaging System and the configuration device, the auto
`focusing circuitry being configured for correlating a config
`ured focus area to a portion of the Video signal, analyzing the
`portion for resolution, and effecting an adjustment signal to
`adjust the focal point of the image to improve the resolution
`of the configured focus area. Preferably, the autofocusing
`circuitry comprises a digital processor.
`Another aspect of the present invention is the provision of
`the above-mentioned focusing System for use in an imaging
`device.
`Yet another aspect of the present invention is the provi
`Sion of the above-mentioned data processor for use in a
`camera's focusing System.
`Still another aspect of the present invention is the provi
`Sion of a method of using the above-mentioned imaging
`device: In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises
`the steps of: (a) moving the imaging device relative to an
`object to obtain a desired field of view; (b) manipulating the
`above-mentioned configuration device to position the focus
`area over the object within the field of view; (c) using the
`focusing System to improve the resolution of the focus area;
`and (d) activating a Video signal processing System to
`transfer the Video signal to a Storage medium.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The invention may best be understood by reference to the
`following description taken in conjunction with the accom
`panying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify
`like elements, and wherein:
`FIG. 1 shows a Schematic diagram of the present inven
`tion;
`FIG. 2 a preferred imaging device embodiment of the
`invention;
`FIGS. 3a-c show the correspondence between the field of
`View and the configuration device of the preferred embodi
`ment of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the circuitry of a
`preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 5 shows a preferred process performed in the imag
`ing processing unit of FIG. 4.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a preferred embodi
`ment of the present invention. Depicted is a device 10 which
`may be a still camera, Video camera, microScope or other
`convention image Sensing apparatus requiring the adjust
`ment of optics to bring an image of an object into focus. For
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`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 60/114,728 filed Dec. 31, 1998.
`FIELD OF INVENTION
`This invention relates generally to auto-focus control for
`optics. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
`auto-focus control device having a configurable focus area.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Automatic-focusing cameras are well known in the art. In
`a conventional camera, a viewfinder displays a field of view
`and a portion of that field is a focus area. The camera
`comprises circuitry adapted to maximize the resolution of
`the image within the focus area. Although widely used and
`usually effective, conventional auto-focusing does have its
`Shortcomings.
`One particular drawback is the tendency for the focus area
`to be fixed within the field of view. Typically, the focus area
`is located toward the center of the field of view and cannot
`be moved. Although Such a configuration is Suitable in most
`Situations where the object of the photograph is placed in the
`center of the field of View, occasionally the preferred com
`position of the photograph places the object elsewhere in the
`field of view. In such a case, the object tends to be blurred
`because the automatic focusing is performed only in the
`above-mentioned focus area regardless of the position of the
`intended object.
`To solve this problem, cameras have been developed with
`"focus lock” to facilitate focusing on objects other than
`those located in the center of the field of view. More
`Specifically, focus lock enables a photographer to focus on
`an off-center object by first placing the focus area over the
`object (that is, centering the object), allowing the lens to
`focus, locking the focus, and then, with the focus locked,
`changing the composition of a picture (for example, posi
`tioning the object off to a side) before taking the photograph.
`Unfortunately, “photo-opportunities' can be missed with
`these cameras Since the focus must be locked before com
`45
`posing the shot.
`Other cameras have been developed with Sophisticated
`logic and control for measuring the distance to a plurality of
`objects within the field of view, determining the nearest
`object of the plurality, and focusing on that object. The
`object to be brought into focus, however, is not always the
`nearest. Thus, the resulting photograph may be focused on
`the wrong object rendering the intended object blurry.
`Recently, cameras have been developed having a multi
`plicity of focus areas which can be Selected by the user.
`55
`Although affording the user with greater flexibility in com
`posing his or her photograph, these cameras are nevertheless
`limited to predetermined focus areas having fixed positions
`and sizes.
`Therefore, the applicant has identified the need for a
`camera having a configurable focus area that is not con
`strained by preset conditions. The present invention fulfills
`this need among others.
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`The present invention overcomes the aforementioned
`problems with convention auto-focus cameras by providing
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`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 7
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
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`3
`illustrative purposes, the device 10 has been divided into
`Systems and discrete components. It should be noted,
`however, that the circuitry described herein can be inte
`grated or further divided into discrete components without
`departing from the Scope of the invention.
`In device 10, a Video signal 1 of the object is generated in
`an imaging System 9. The Imaging System 9 comprises
`adjustable optics System 11 for forming an image and an
`image Sensor 12, Such as a charge couple device (CCD),
`having an image Sensing plane 12a for providing a video
`Signal of an image formed thereon by the optics System 11.
`The adjustable optics System 11 has the necessary circuitry
`and actuating means to adjust the focal point of the image on
`the image Sensing plane according to the input of an adjust
`ment Signal 2.
`A data processor 20 Such as a microprocessor or a digital
`Signal processor receives the Video signal 1 from the imag
`ing system 9. The data processor 20 is coupled to a view
`finder 14 and provides it with a display signal 3 such that
`viewfinder 14 displays a field of view corresponding
`approximately to the image formed on the image Sensing
`plane 12a. It is also preferable for the viewfinder 14 to
`display a “focus area” within the field of view. As used
`herein, the term “focus area” refers to that area of the field
`of View which is Subjected to autofocusing. The focus area
`may be displayed in the field of View, for example, as a
`shaded portion or as an outlined shape. Although the focus
`area may be any shape, rectangular, circular, Oval, or Square
`areas are preferred.
`The data processor 20 is coupled to a focusing System 17.
`Although depicted as a discrete System for illustrative
`purposes, the focus System 17 may be incorporated into the
`data processor 20, Split between the data processor 20 and
`other circuitry, or Split among a plurality of circuits and
`processors depending upon the needs and preferences of the
`application. AS Shown, the focusing System 17 comprises a
`configuration device 19 and autofocus circuitry 18.
`The configuration device 19 enables the user to configure
`the focus area. This configuration includes positioning the
`focus area anywhere within the field of view and, optionally,
`adjusting its size and/or shape. The configuration device
`may comprise one or more functional components which
`may be integrated or discrete. Additionally, Switching may
`be used Such that a single component has multiple functions.
`The functional components should be Selected according to
`their intended purpose. For example, positioning the focus
`area can be performed using devices Such as pointers,
`ball-rollers, touch pads, joysticks, and disengaged mouse
`type devices. A ball-type pointer is preferred for positioning
`from the perspective of control and compactness. If the
`configuration device also configures the area and/or shape of
`the focus area, then additional functionality may be required.
`For example, a dial can be used to adjust the Size or the shape
`of the focus area. The same dial may be used to adjust both
`Size and shape if Switching is provided between the two
`functions. The Structure of a preferred configuration device
`is described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 2
`and 3.
`The configuration device 19 outputs a configuration Sig
`nal 4 containing configuration information Such as posi
`tional data and perhaps area data and/or shape data of the
`focus area. Positional data may relate to, for example,
`Cartesian or polar coordinates corresponding to the position
`of focus area's center within the field of view. Area data may
`relate to the number of cells or units contained within the
`focus area or a simple area measurement. Shape data may
`relate to the aspect ratio of the focus area.
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`US 6,812,968 B1
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`4
`The autofocus circuitry 18 receives the configuration
`Signal 4 from the configuration device 19 and a Video signal
`from the optical imaging System 9. The autofocus circuitry
`18 has several functions. First, it “gates' the video signal
`which involves using the configuration information trans
`mitted by configuration signal 4 to pass only the portion of
`the Video Signal emanating from the area of the image
`Sensing plane corresponding to the focus area. Once the
`Video signal corresponding to the focus area is identified and
`extracted, conventional autofocusing techniques may be
`used to effect an adjustment signal 2 to the adjustable optics
`System 11 thereby adjusting the focal point of the image to
`improve the resolution of the focus area. Suitable autofocus
`circuits are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,
`954 issued to Toyama et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,585
`issued to Kaneda et al. which are hereby incorporated by
`reference. Preferred autofocus techniques and circuitry are
`described below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 4.
`As shown in FIG. 1, the data processor 20 also is coupled
`to a signal processing System 15 for performing Such func
`tions as Storing the Video signal on a tangible medium Such
`as a disk or film, or converting the Video signal to a Standard
`format for television or Video. Such signal processing func
`tions are well known in the art. To activate the processing
`functions, a release Switch 16 may be manipulated or the
`functions may be performed continuously. Since the device
`10 is preferably a still camera, a release Switch 16 is
`preferred to allow the user to compose the image before
`processing the Video signal.
`Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a camera 20 of
`the present invention is shown with an enlarged Section
`corresponding to the configuration device 22. The camera 20
`comprises a housing 21, a configurable lens assembly 27, a
`viewfinder 26, and the configuration device 22. The con
`figuration device in this embodiment is a button-type pointer
`which is well known and widely used in laptop computers.
`AS mentioned above, the button-type pointer is preferred
`from the Stand point of controllability and compactness. The
`button-type pointer comprises a stub Section 23 which is
`connected to a base 25 via a ball and Socket connection 28.
`The ball and Socket connection allows the distal end 29 of
`the stub section 23 to be moved about the base 25. The
`position of the focus area in the field of View corresponds to
`the position of the distal end of the stub section relative to
`the base 25. This relationship is described below in greater
`detail with respect to FIG. 3.
`In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the stub section 23
`is axially movable to a multiplicity of depressed positions to
`provide additional functionality. Preferably, the stub section
`has two depressed positions-a first depressed position
`which activates the focus System and a Second depressed
`position which activates the Video processing System. In the
`preferred embodiment, the configuration device also com
`prises means of changing the size of the focus area.
`Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the button-type pointer 22
`preferably comprises a sleeve 24 coaxially and rotatably
`mounted around Stub 23. Rotating sleeve 24 effects a change
`in the size of the focus area. It also may be preferable for the
`device to have means for adjusting the Shape of the area. To
`this end, the same rotating sleeve 24 may be used for both
`functions, providing there is a Selection Switch 22a for
`Switching between the two.
`According to the configuration of the configuration device
`in FIG. 2, a user can conveniently compose his shot without
`excessive camera manipulation. Specifically, while viewing
`the field of View, a user can use his finger to move the Stub
`Section 23 Such that the focus area is positioned over the
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`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 8
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
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`US 6,812,968 B1
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`desired object, and then, with the same finger, depress the
`Stub Section 23 to a first-depressed position to activate the
`autofocus feature and focus the object within the focus area.
`Finally, once the user is Satisfied with the shot, he can
`depress the Stub Section 23 further to a Second-depressed
`position with the same finger to activate Video processing.
`Referring to FIGS. 3a-c, the correspondence between the
`movement of the configuration device and the position of the
`focus area in the viewfinder is illustrated. The composition
`in the viewfinder 31 is the same in all three figures-a
`perSon 32 in the foreground to the left, a flag pole and flag
`33 in the center background, and a cannon 34 in the right
`middle ground. The focus Selection, however, varies in all
`three. In FIG. 3a, the head of the person is the intended
`object of the shot and accordingly the focus area 36 is
`positioned over it by manipulating configuration device 35
`such that the distal end of the stub is at approximately the 8
`o'clock position. In FIG. 3b, the flag atop the flagpole is the
`intended object of the shot and accordingly the focus area 37
`is positioned over it by manipulating configuration device 35
`such that the distal end of the stub is at approximately the 12
`o'clock position. It is worth noting that the focus area 37 is
`larger than that of FIG. 3a. Increasing the focus area is
`accomplished by rotating the sleeve 36 of the configuration
`device (depicted in FIG. 3b by a change in position of hash
`mark 39). In FIG.3c, the intended object is the cannon to the
`right, and accordingly the focus area 38 is positioned over
`it by manipulating the configuration device Such that the
`distal end of the stub is pointed at about the 4 o’clock
`position. In this shot, the focus area 38 is expanded to
`include the entire cannon by rotating the sleeve 36.
`Therefore, the present invention accommodates Selective
`imaging of the same composition in the viewfinder.
`Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a preferred
`embodiment of the device is depicted. The imaging,
`focusing, and processing Systems described in FIG. 1 are
`indicated in this figure as parted lines 65, 64, and 58,
`respectively, although, as mentioned above, the particular
`grouping of circuitry and processors can vary, and integra
`tion between the various Systems and components is antici
`pated. The adjustable optics of the imaging System 65
`comprises a focusing lens group shown collectively as
`focusing lens 41 and arranged for use as a focus adjustment.
`The focusing lens 41 is movable by means of a motor 42 to
`focus on an infinite distance position through the nearest
`45
`focusing distance position. The adjustable optics also com
`prises a focus encoder 45 arranged to detect the moved
`position of the focusing lens 41. The adjustable optics
`includes a Zooming functionality comprising a variator lens
`43 and a compensator lens 44. Zooming is performed by
`moving the variator and compensator lens relative to each
`other via a cam locus indicated by a broken line. A Zoom
`encoder 46 is arranged to detect a focal length obtained by
`Zooming. An iris unit 47 is arranged to adjust the quantity of
`light incident on an image Sensor 50. An aperture encoder 48
`is arranged to detect the aperture position of the iris unit 47.
`Light passes through a master lens 49 before reaching the
`image sensor 50. The image sensor 50 is preferably a CCD
`or the like and is arranged to produce a Video signal of an
`object image formed on its image Sensing plane.
`The video signal from image sensor 50 is supplied to
`focusing System 64. The focusing System 64 first performs
`a gating action on the Video signal Such that only Video data
`corresponding to the focus area passes. To this end, the
`configuration device 63 outputs configuration information to
`65
`a gate controller 54 in the processing System 58. AS men
`tioned above, configuration information includes the posi
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`tional data and optionally size and/or shape data of the focus
`area. Given this information, the gate controller 54 can
`determine the area of the image Sensing plane corresponding
`to the focus area. In the case of a CCD array, this area can
`be expressed in terms of particular rows and columns of the
`array. It is anticipated that a similar convention may be used
`with other types of imaging devices. This row/column data
`is transmitted via a gate control Signal to gate circuitry 52.
`The gate circuitry 52 then passes only those video data
`emanating from cells located in the Selected rows and
`columns of the CCD array in a gated Video signal. To
`facilitate digital processing of the Video data, the gated Video
`Signal is converted to a digital Video signal in the A/D
`converter 53.
`Once converted, the digital video signal is Suitable for
`processing in the processing System 58. In the processing
`System 58, the digital Video signal is transmitted to a
`mapping unit 55 which maps Video data to a fixed memory
`matrix 56. If the focus area is fixed, the fixed memory matrix
`can be appropriately sized to accommodate the extracted
`video data. On the other hand, if the size of the focus area
`is configurable, then the mapping function also may involve
`data culling or data interpolation if the Video data is more or
`less than the memory matrix. In other words, if the focus
`area involves more Video data than the matrix can
`accommodate, then a certain amount of Video data needs to
`be filtered out or culled. Conversely, if the amount of video
`data is less than the memory matrix is configured for, then
`data interpolation may be required to fill the Voids. Because
`data interpolation tends to consume a significant amount of
`computational resources, it is preferred that the minimum
`Size of the focus area be limited to no leSS than the data
`required to populate the memory matrix. If the focus area is
`configurable, then the mapping unit should be provided with
`area data of the focus area So that it can determine the
`amount of Video data to cull or interpolate.
`After the Video data is mapped, an image processing unit
`57 processes the data to effect improved resolution or
`autofocus. AS mentioned above, the techniques for autofo
`cusing are known in the art. A preferred proceSS is depicted
`in the flow diagram of FIG. 5. As shown, in Block 501, the
`image processing unit 501 captures a first frame. Block 502
`effects a change in the focal point of the optics by Signaling
`the motor 42 (FIG. 4) to move in a particular direction via
`the system control circuitry 62 (FIG. 4). In Block 503, a
`second frame is captured. Block 504 computes the difference
`between the first and second frames. In Block 505 a decision
`is made whether the focus area has achieved a desired level
`of resolution. If So, the process ends. If not, however, the
`process proceeds to Block 506 where a decision is made as
`to which direction to move the motor. Block 507 effects the
`motor's movement in a direction according to Block 506 and
`the process returns to Block 501.
`Although a variety of data processors are Suitable for
`performing the above-mentioned functions, the 1675 DSP
`microprocessor chip available through Lucent Technologies,
`Inc. (Murray Hill, N.J.) is preferred. It also should be
`understood that although the preferred embodiment employs
`a digital microprocessor, the above-mentioned functions
`may be performed using discrete or integrated analog cir
`cuitry.
`Referring back to FIG. 4, system control circuitry 62 is
`arranged to receive the encoder information of varied kinds
`from the focus encoder 45, the Zoom encoder 48, and output
`from the image processing unit 57 according to the degree
`of focusing and to perform a computing operation oh these
`information inputs and to produce and Supply an adjustment
`
`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 9
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
`
`

`

`US 6,812,968 B1
`
`7
`Signal to the motor driving circuit 61 for controlling the
`focusing lens driving motor 42. The System control circuitry
`62 is preferably a microprocessor.
`Once the desired resolution is achieved, the Video signal
`output from the image Sensor 50 is processed by a camera
`Signal processing circuit 51 as described above with respect
`to FIG. 1.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An imaging device comprising:
`an image Sensor having an image Sensing plane for
`providing a Video signal of an image formed thereon,
`an adjustable optics System adapted to adjust the focal
`point of an image on Said image Sensing plane accord
`ing to an adjustment Signal;
`a viewfinder for displaying a field of View corresponding
`approximately to an image formed on Said image
`Sensing plane and for displaying a focus area within
`said field of view; and
`a focusing System comprising:
`a configuration device adapted to facilitate configura
`tion of a focus area within said field of view, said
`configuration device comprising a pointer adapted
`for manipulation by a user to position Said focus area
`within said field of view, and an outer sleeve rotat
`ably and coaxially mounted about Said pointer,
`wherein rotation of Said sleeve effects a change in
`Size of Said focus area
`circuitry operatively coupled to Said adjustable optics
`System, Said image Sensor, Said Viewfinder and Said
`configuration device, Said circuitry being configured
`for correlating a configured focus area to a portion of
`Said image Sensing plane, analyzing the resolution of
`the Video signal corresponding to said portion, and
`effecting Said adjustment Signal to adjust the focal
`point of the image to improve resolution within Said
`configured focus area.
`2. The device of claim 1, wherein Said pointer is adapted
`for depression to a first position to activate Said focus System
`and to a Second position to activate processing of Said Video
`Signal.
`3. The device of claim 1, further comprising
`a Selector Switch having at least a first position and a
`Second position, Said Selector Switch being adapted
`Such that in Said first position, rotating Said sleeve
`effects a change in focus area size, and in Said Second
`position, rotating Said sleeve effects a change in focus
`area shape.
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`4. The device of claim 1, wherein Said circuitry comprises
`a data processor.
`5. The device of claim 3, wherein said device is a still
`Caca.
`6. A focusing System for use in an imaging device having
`an imaging System for generating a Video signal of an image
`within a field of view, wherein Said imaging System is
`adapted to adjust the focal point of an image according to an
`adjustment Signal; Said focusing System comprising:
`a configuration device for facilitating configuration of a
`focus area within Said field of View, Said configuration
`device comprising a pointer adapted for manipulation
`by a user to position the focus area within Said field of
`View, and an outer sleeve rotatably and coaxially
`mounted about Said pointer, wherein rotation of Said
`sleeve effects a change in size of the focus area;
`circuitry operatively coupled to Said imaging System and
`Said configuration device, Said circuitry being config
`ured for correlating a configured focus area to a portion
`of Video Signal, analyzing Said portion for resolution,
`and effecting an adjustment Signal to adjust the focal
`point of Said image to improve resolution of Said
`configured focus area.
`7. The focusing System of claim 6, wherein Said pointer is
`adapted for depression to a first position to activate Said
`focus System and to a Second position to activate processing
`of Said Video Signal.
`8. The focusing System of claim 6, further comprising a
`Selector Switch having at least a first position and a Second
`position, said selector Switch being adapted Such that in said
`first position, rotating Said sleeve effects a change in focus
`area Size, and in Said Second position, rotating Said sleeve
`effects a change in focus area shape.
`9. The focusing system of claim 6, wherein said circuitry
`comprises a digital processor.
`10. The focusing system of claim 9, wherein said digital
`processor comprises a gate controller for effecting an extrac
`tion of Said portion of Said Video signal from Said video
`Signal, a fixed memory matrix, a mapping unit for mapping
`at least a portion of Said portion to Said memory matrix, and
`an image processing unit for analyzing the mapped portion
`for resolution and effecting Said adjustment Signal.
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`k
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`k
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`k
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`k
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`Qualcomm, Exh. 2012, p. 10
`Apple v. Qualcomm, 2018-01278
`
`