Dynamic Focus Detection Area Adjustment for Moving Subjects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices face challenges in accurately focusing on subjects due to issues like subjects not being accurately located within the auto focus (AF) area, AF failures caused by improper configuration of the AF area, and difficulties in focusing on moving subjects or those in areas with inadequate light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a camera and processor that acquires a preview image, identifies areas satisfying predetermined conditions, and modifies the focus detection area based on subject image properties, allowing for accurate focus detection and tracking of moving subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed AF area is configured in advance, then the AF processing can be simplified, but the focus accuracy deteriorates when the subject is not accurately located within the AF area or moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed AF area configuration to a dynamic AF area that automatically adjusts based on real-time subject detection and tracking. The system continuously monitors the preview image, detects subject locations, and modifies the AF area to follow moving subjects, thereby maintaining focus accuracy without significantly increasing processing complexity through automated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously evaluates the preview image, detects subject positions, and uses this information to adjust the AF area configuration. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the AF area remains accurately positioned on the subject even when the subject moves or changes position, resolving the contradiction between simplified processing and maintained precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large AF area is configured to ensure subject coverage, then the subject location tolerance is improved, but the focus precision deteriorates due to undesired image information in the AF area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the AF area into multiple sub-areas or regions of interest. Instead of treating the entire AF area uniformly, the system identifies and isolates the specific region containing the subject based on detected characteristics, thereby maintaining focus precision on the subject while preserving the tolerance for subject location variations through the broader AF area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating the treatment of different regions within the AF area. The system identifies the specific local region containing the subject and prioritizes focus calculation for that area, while excluding undesired image information from other regions. This allows the system to maintain both broad subject coverage and precise focus on the intended subject.
3Device complexity
If the AF area is fixed in bright or dark conditions, then the processing simplicity is maintained, but the AF calculation data acquisition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting AF area parameters such as size, position, and characteristics based on detected lighting conditions. When bright or dark conditions are detected, the system modifies the AF area parameters to optimize focus calculation data acquisition, thereby maintaining reliability without significantly complicating the processing through automated parameter adjustment algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprising: a memory; a display; a camera; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory, configured to: acquire a preview image by using the camera; display the preview image on the display; identify a plurality of areas in the preview image that satisfy a predetermined condition; and modify a focus detection area associated with the camera to include the plurality of areas.