Autofocus system and method
US8629932B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N5/772
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A camera module and method for focusing a tunable lens configured to continuously vary its optical power in response to a drive signal. A drive circuit generates the drive signal so that the tunable lens performs a continuous scan of its optical power. An image sensor is configured to acquire light images passing through the tunable lens, and to convert the light images to image signals during the continuous scan. A processor is configured to generate focus scores of the acquired light images using the image signals during the continuous scan. The processor is configured to determine from the focus scores a peak focus score achieved or achievable, and to instruct the drive circuit to adjust the drive signal so that the tunable lens settles at a value of the optical power that corresponds to the peak focus score.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.