Camera Focus Detection Area Adjustment in Selfie Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contrast AF methods in cameras face challenges in achieving both responsiveness and tracking performance while maintaining stability and quality, especially in selfie modes where the subject's face is not detected, leading to issues with focusing on the center subject when the periphery is in focus.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus and method that includes an image sensor, detection unit, and setting unit to determine if a selfie mode is set, and if so, sets a focus detection area to increase the chances of focusing on the main subject by setting a predetermined focus detection area even when the subject is not detected, using processors or circuitry for implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If focus detection is performed only when a specific subject such as a face is detected, then tracking performance is improved, but responsiveness and stability deteriorate when no subject is detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the focus detection area based on subject detection results and shooting mode. When no subject is detected in selfie mode, the system automatically expands the focus detection area to a predetermined area, making the focus control system adaptable to different conditions rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of focus detection area size based on detection results. When no subject is detected, the focus detection area is changed from a small subject-centered area to a larger predetermined area, allowing the system to maintain focus control stability under varying conditions
2Area of stationary object
If the entire screen is set as focus detection area, then coverage is improved, but focus precision on main subject deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different focus detection areas based on local conditions (subject detection results). Rather than uniformly using the entire screen or a fixed small area, the system locally adapts the focus detection area to match the actual shooting scenario, ensuring both coverage and precision
3Device complexity
If a fixed main AF frame is arranged at predetermined position, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to focus on center subject deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the focus detection area based on shooting mode and subject detection results. In selfie mode when no subject is detected, it automatically selects a predetermined focus detection area that covers the center region, providing adaptive focus control without increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus comprising: an image sensor that repeatedly shoots a subject and outputs image signals; a detection unit that detect a predetermined subject from the image signals; a determination unit that determines whether not a selfie mode for shooting a photographer himself/herself is set; and a setting unit that sets a focus detection area where focus detection is performed, wherein the setting unit sets a predetermined focus detection area in a case where the detection unit has failed to detect the predetermined subject and it is determined by the determination unit that the selfie mode is set.