Autofocus Frame Positioning Using Eye Tracking and Touch Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling autofocus frames in electronic devices, such as cameras, require numerous operations to accurately move the frames to desired positions, especially when using eye direction inputs or touch operations, leading to inefficiencies in fine adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus and method that combines eye tracking and touch inputs to swiftly and accurately move autofocus frames by allowing the user to set an absolute or relative position designation, enabling seamless integration of eye direction and touch operations for precise frame positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If eye direction input is used to move the autofocus frame, then the initial position can be set quickly, but fine adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of moving autofocus frameVSAvoidprecision of autofocus frame position
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between eye direction input mode and touch operation mode based on the operational phase. Eye direction is used for rapid initial positioning, then the system transitions to touch operations for fine adjustment, making the interaction mode adaptable to the current need for speed versus precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning process is segmented into two distinct phases: coarse positioning using eye direction input and fine positioning using touch operations. This segmentation allows each method to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If touch operation with large movement coefficient is used, then the autofocus frame can be moved quickly, but fine adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of moving autofocus frameVSAvoidease of fine adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movement coefficient is dynamically adjusted based on the operational phase. During initial positioning, a larger coefficient enables rapid movement, while during fine adjustment phase, the coefficient is reduced to enable precise control, making the system adaptive to current operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation methods are provided for moving the autofocus frame, then versatility is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of autofocus frame controlVSAvoidcomplexity of control operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines which operation method to activate based on current state conditions. Eye direction input is activated when no touch operation is detected, while touch operations are activated when performed, creating a dynamic selection mechanism that simplifies user interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically selects the appropriate operation mode based on user behavior patterns. When the user performs a touch operation, the system automatically switches from eye direction mode to touch operation mode, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex control settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3754422B1Electronic apparatus, method and storage medium for controlling the position of a frame based on eye tracking and manual inputs
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CANON KK
  • EP3754422B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3754422B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3754422B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A

AI summary

A reception unit receives an eye direction input that is an input based on an eye direction of a user, and a control unit controls movement of a selected position based on an operation on an operation member. The control unit performs control such that, in a first state in which the selected position is not designated based on the eye direction input, the selected position is moved, in response to the operation member being operated by a predetermined operation amount, by a first amount from a position set before the operation member is operated, and that, in a second state in which the selected position is designated based on the eye direction input, the selected position is moved, in response to the operation member being operated by the predetermined operation amount, by a second amount smaller than the first amount from a position based on the eye direction input.