Autofocus Main Subject Selection Using Posture and Focus State

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing apparatuses struggle to accurately determine and maintain focus on the intended main object when multiple moving objects are present, often misidentifying the main object or changing focus unexpectedly.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing apparatus equipped with an object detection unit, posture detection unit, and focus detection unit, which sets a threshold value based on object posture and focusing state to determine the main object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the main object is determined from the positional relationship between two different types of objects, then the focus can be automatically adjusted, but an object different from the photographer's intention may be determined as the main object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic focus adjustmentVSAvoidmain object identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for main object determination from purely positional relationships to a combination of positional relationships, posture information, and focus state. By incorporating posture detection (e.g., facing direction, body orientation) and focus state data, the system achieves more accurate main object identification that aligns with photographer intent while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces posture information and focus state as intermediary factors between the detected objects and the main object determination. These intermediaries mediate the decision-making process, allowing the system to distinguish between objects that are merely present and objects that are actually the intended subject based on their posture and focus characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If the main object is determined from positional relationship, then the focus can be set automatically, but the focus position suddenly changes when the main object is replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic focus settingVSAvoidfocus position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring focus state and posture information. When an object's posture changes significantly or when focus state indicates a different object is intended, the system uses this feedback to adjust the main object determination, preventing sudden and unintended focus position changes while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the main object determination dynamic by incorporating real-time posture detection and focus state analysis. Instead of relying on static positional relationships, the system dynamically adjusts its main object identification based on changing postures and focus characteristics, ensuring smooth and intentional focus transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12520031B2Image capturing apparatus capable of selecting an object to be focused, control method thereof, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus includes an object detection unit configured to detect an object, a posture detection unit configured to detect a posture of the object, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of the object; and a setting unit configured to set a threshold value for determining whether or not to select the object as a main object based on a posture and the focusing state of the object.