Auto-Focus Control for AR Marker Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In augmented reality (AR) systems, the independent auto-focus processing of cameras can lead to focus deviations, causing marker recognition issues and reducing AR quality, as the auto-focus actions are not synchronized with the AR application's needs.
Innovation Solution
The execution of auto-focus actions is controlled based on the recognition state of the marker, inhibiting unnecessary focus adjustments by stopping auto-focus when the marker is recognized and restarting it when recognition is lost, thereby ensuring optimal marker recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auto-focus processing is executed independently at prescribed time intervals, then the camera can maintain focus capability, but the marker recognition quality deteriorates due to focus deviations during auto-focus execution
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors marker recognition results and uses this feedback to control auto-focus execution. When marker recognition succeeds, auto-focus is inhibited; when recognition fails, auto-focus is permitted to run. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting focus processing based on actual recognition quality needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto-focus processing mode transitions from static (executing at fixed intervals) to dynamic (conditionally executing based on recognition state). The system adapts its focus processing behavior in real-time according to marker recognition outcomes, allowing focus capability to be maintained only when necessary for recognition quality.
2Reliability
If auto-focus processing is continuously executed, then focus adjustment capability is maintained, but AR quality deteriorates due to unnecessary focus adjustments disrupting marker recognition
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous auto-focus execution, the system implements periodic auto-focus only when marker recognition fails. The recognition result acts as a trigger that determines whether the next periodic check should initiate focus processing, reducing unnecessary operations while maintaining focus capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and separates the essential function (maintaining focus when recognition fails) from the non-essential operations (continuous focus adjustments). By removing unnecessary auto-focus executions that occur during successful recognition, the system maintains focus capability only when required, thereby preserving AR quality.
3Productivity
If marker recognition is prioritized over auto-focus, then AR quality improves, but focus adjustment responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The marker recognition system serves itself by providing the control signal that determines when auto-focus should execute. The recognition results directly control the focus processing timing, creating a self-regulating system that automatically responds to recognition quality without external intervention, thus maintaining both AR quality and responsiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a control unit configured to control an imaging device to stop a first focus adjustment when a specific object is detected from a first image captured by the imaging device while the first focus adjustment is in execution, the first focus adjustment being performed at each first time interval by the imaging device, and control the imaging device to start a second focus adjustment when the specific object is not detected from a second image captured by the imaging device after the imaging device is controlled to stop the first focus adjustment.