Imaging Apparatus Gaze-Adaptive AF Frame Transparency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to confirm a subject when an autofocus (AF) frame is displayed, as it overlaps with the desired image area, and conversely, the absence of the AF frame makes it hard to determine focus status.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a display image generation unit that performs line-of-sight correspondence display image generation processing, superimposing AF frames and captured images based on gaze region and superimposition information display regions, adjusting transparency and shape to ensure the subject is easily visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an AF frame is displayed at the gaze point, then focus information is provided to the user, but the subject at that point becomes difficult to confirm due to overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the AF frame's transparency variable depending on the location. Specifically, the frame becomes more transparent in the gaze region (where the user is looking) and less transparent in non-gaze regions. This allows focus information to be displayed while adapting to the user's visual attention, reducing obstruction where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by continuously adjusting the transparency of the AF frame based on real-time gaze detection. The system dynamically responds to changes in user eye position, modifying the frame's opacity accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the frame provides focus feedback when needed while minimizing interference with the user's natural viewing experience.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the AF frame is not displayed, then the subject is clearly visible, but the user cannot determine whether or not the image is in focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by spatially differentiating the AF frame's transparency based on gaze detection. The frame maintains higher opacity in non-gaze regions to provide clear focus feedback, while becoming more transparent in the gaze region to avoid obstructing the user's view of the subject. This creates an optimized display that serves both functions simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If the AF frame is displayed with high opacity, then focus information is clearly visible, but the subject in the gaze region becomes difficult to confirm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing spatially variable transparency within the AF frame. Different portions of the frame have different opacity levels based on their relationship to the user's gaze point. This creates a differentiated display where focus information remains visible in peripheral areas while the gaze region maintains clarity for subject confirmation.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a display image generation unit that performs, on the basis of a superimposition information display region for displaying superimposition information and a gaze region specified on the basis of line-of-sight information, line-of-sight correspondence display image generation processing of generating a display image in which the superimposition information and a captured image are superimposed.