Camera Tracking Start Position Adaptation for Subject Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automatic tracking in digital cameras often result in the tracking start position returning to the center of the image when tracking is stopped, disrupting continuity and potentially leading to missed photo opportunities.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and method that allow setting an optimum tracking start position, such that when tracking is stopped, the start position remains different from the original center position, even if an image capturing preparation instruction has been issued or not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tracking start position is set to return to the center when tracking is stopped, then the AF frame positioning is simplified and standardized, but the continuity of tracking is broken and photo opportunities may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tracking start position adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the tracking start position based on whether image capturing preparation has been issued: returning to center position when no preparation is issued (simplified operation), and maintaining the current subject position when preparation has been issued (tracking continuity). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of tracking start position based on the state of image capturing preparation. When image capturing preparation is not issued, the tracking start position parameter is set to the center of the image. When image capturing preparation is issued, the tracking start position parameter is set to the current subject position. This parameter change strategy enables the system to switch between operational simplicity and tracking continuity based on operational context.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the AF frame returns to the center position after stopping tracking, then the system state is reset to a known position, but the subject may move out of frame and be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the post-tracking AF frame position dynamic rather than always returning to center. The system determines whether to return to center position or maintain current subject position based on whether image capturing preparation has been issued. This dynamic approach maintains system state consistency when not preparing to capture (returning to center) while preserving subject tracking reliability when capture is intended (maintaining subject position).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the image capturing preparation instruction as a preliminary action that determines subsequent tracking behavior. When the user issues image capturing preparation (e.g., half-pressing the shutter button), the system anticipates that the user wants to capture the current subject, so it maintains the subject position as the tracking start position. This preliminary action ensures the subject remains in frame for the intended capture.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for an electronic apparatus includes tracking a tracking target included in an image; starting tracking from a tracking start position; stopping tracking; and setting the tracking start position such that, when the tracking is stopped, the tracking start position in a case of a state in which an image capturing preparation instruction for starting image capturing preparation has been issued and the tracking start position in a case of a state in which the image capturing preparation instruction for starting image capturing preparation has not been issued are different from each other.