Autofocus Platform Priority Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autofocus features in cameras and imaging devices lack intelligence, unable to prioritize specific targets within a frame, leading to inefficient image capture as they focus on all objects of a certain type rather than specific individuals or objects of interest.
Innovation Solution
An autofocus platform that allows users to designate and prioritize specific objects within a frame, using facial recognition and contextual data to direct the autofocus feature towards user-defined targets, with the ability to learn and adapt based on frequency of appearance and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional autofocus feature is used to focus on all objects of a certain type, then the autofocus covers all potential targets, but the system lacks intelligence and cannot prioritize specific individuals or objects of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the autofocus targeting by dividing objects into different priority levels (first priority targets vs. second priority targets). The system processes objects in segments based on their priority classification, allowing intelligent differentiation between important and less important targets without requiring complete analysis of all objects simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of objects into priority categories before executing the autofocus operation. By pre-sorting objects based on their importance and establishing priority levels in advance, the system can efficiently direct autofocus to the most important targets first, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the autofocus focuses on all detected objects, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the main subject may not be properly focused in crowded scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of focus to different objects based on their priority classification. First priority targets receive primary focus attention and are processed with higher precision, while second priority targets receive secondary focus handling. This local differentiation ensures the main subject is properly focused while maintaining efficient processing by not applying maximum focus resources to all objects equally.
3Ease of operation
If no priority-based targeting is implemented, then the system remains simple, but the user experience is degraded when capturing images of specific individuals or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically classifying objects into priority levels based on their visual characteristics and pre-established criteria. Users can train the system to recognize specific individuals or objects of interest, and the system autonomously applies priority-based focusing without requiring manual intervention during the actual autofocus operation, thereby enhancing user experience while keeping the operation simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for enabling the autofocus feature of a camera to be directed towards priority targets within a frame is described. A camera retrieves a stored object image. An autofocus platform then compares an object viewed by the camera within a scene with the stored object image. The autofocus platform then determines a focus point within the scene based on the comparison. The image is captured by the camera using the determined focus point.