Image Pickup Focus Control for Intended Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture systems may inadvertently focus on unintended objects, such as animals or vehicles, instead of the intended object set by the user, due to conventional methods that rely on real-time determination of human faces or unidentified objects.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that includes an acquiring unit to set an area for focus detection and a determining unit to differentiate between first and second objects within and outside this area, using distinct methods to ensure the intended object is focused on, utilizing a digital camera with features like imaging-plane phase-difference AF, pattern-matching processing, and deep learning for enhanced object detection and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If real-time focus determination is performed on human faces or unidentified objects, then focus speed is improved, but focus accuracy deteriorates when the user intends to focus on specific objects like animals or vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image area into a focus detection area (inside the frame) and an area outside the frame. Different object detection methods are applied to each segment: human face detection is performed inside the frame for quick focus, while other objects like animals and vehicles are detected outside the frame to prevent unintended focusing, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality standards and detection methods to different regions of the image. Inside the focus detection area, human face detection with high sensitivity is applied for rapid focus. Outside the area, broader object detection is performed to identify and exclude unintended subjects, thereby maintaining both fast focus speed and high focus accuracy
2Ease of operation
If human face detection is used as the primary method, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when the user wants to focus on non-human subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the focus determination system multi-functional by enabling it to detect not only human faces but also other objects such as animals and vehicles. The system can switch between different detection modes: human face detection for ease of operation, and extended object detection for adaptability to various shooting scenarios, thus resolving the contradiction
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus is configured to control an image pickup apparatus that is configured to acquire image data. The control apparatus includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire an area for focus detection set to the image data, and a determining unit configured to determine as a main object that is a target to be focused on, one of a first object determined from at least one object detected inside the area and a second object determined from at least one object detected outside the area. The determining unit determines the first object and the second object by different methods.