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Google patents camera focus system that predicts depth from sparse sensors

Google describes a method for cameras that uses limited data from sparse phase detection sensors to predict how far away objects are. The system calculates a confidence level for this prediction to adjust the lens position for sharp autofocus.

Why it mattersThis could help cameras focus faster and more accurately in low light or on difficult subjects by making better guesses with less data.

In the filing’s own words

A method includes receiving, from a plurality of sparse phase detection sensors, sparse phase detection sensor data. The method also includes determining a disparity prediction and an associated confidence value based on the sparse phase detection sensor data. The method further includes using the associated confidence value to determine an autofocus lens position for an image sensor based on the disparity prediction. The method additionally includes causing the image sensor to autofocus based on the determined autofocus lens position.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method comprising: receiving, from a plurality of sparse phase detection sensors, sparse phase detection sensor data; determining a disparity prediction and an associated confidence value; using the associated confidence value to determine an autofocus lens position for an image sensor based on the disparity prediction; and causing the image sensor to autofocus based on the determined autofocus lens position.

Facts

Company
Google (Google LLC)
Official title
Learning-Based Camera Autofocus Prediction for Sparse Phase Detection Imaging Sensors
Publication number
US20260313231A1
Application number
19472917
Filed
Jun 23, 2023
Published
Oct 8, 2026
Inventors
14
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 23/672 Electricity & electronicsG03B 13/36 Physics & computingH04N 23/71 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/704 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.