Conference System Laser Pointer Focus Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conference systems that automatically detect objects in images cannot produce output that reflects the user's intention, as they prioritize and correct images based on detected objects without considering user input.

Innovation Solution

A processing method for a conference system that includes a microphone, a camera, and an object detection system. This method identifies a first object and one or more second objects within an image, calculates their positions relative to each other, selects a second object based on specified conditions, and generates focused image data and output data that prioritizes the selected second object, along with audio data from the microphone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic object detection is used to prioritize and correct images, then image processing efficiency is improved, but the ability to reflect user intention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing efficiencyVSAvoiduser intention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a laser pointer as a feedback mechanism to receive user input about desired focus objects. The camera detects the laser pointer position and uses this feedback to adjust the image focus, thereby maintaining user intention while enabling automatic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The laser pointer serves as an intermediary between the user and the automatic object detection system. Instead of directly conflicting with automatic detection, the user's intention is transmitted through the laser pointer signal, which the system then processes to determine the focal object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple objects are detected automatically, then object detection capability is improved, but determining which object to focus on becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidfocus selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the user to self-select the focus object by pointing the laser pointer at the desired object. This eliminates the need for complex automated focus selection algorithms, as the user directly indicates their preference through the laser pointer signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12309495B2Processing method of conference system, and conference system

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A processing method of a conference system includes a microphone, a camera, and a first object. The processing method obtains image data of an image taken by the camera, the image data including a plurality of objects, detects kinds and positions of a plurality of objects included in the image data obtained, identifies the first object and one or more second objects different from the first object based on the detected kinds of plurality of the objects from among the plurality of objects included in the obtained image data, calculates (i) a position of the first object and (ii) positions of the one or more second objects relative to the first object, selects a second object, from among the one or more second objects, whose position relative to the first object satisfies a specified condition, generates focused image data that focuses on the selected second object, and generates output data based on the generated focused image data, which focuses on the selected second object, and audio data picked up by the microphone.