Gaze-Based Focus Control for AF/MF Switching Accuracy

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with gaze input technology face issues with unintended gaze movements leading to unintended operations, and require multiple operation members for executing multiple processes, reducing operational flexibility.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a detection unit for gaze position, an operation unit, a mode switching unit, and a control unit that allows switching between AF and MF modes, enabling multiple processes based on gaze input, with the second process completing upon a specific operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If gaze input technology is used to enable quick operations, then operation speed is improved, but unintended gaze movements cause unintended operations reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by displaying a candidate operation screen before final execution. When gaze is detected, the system first presents possible operations (AF execution, MF assistance, or other operations) for user confirmation, preventing unintended operations while maintaining quick response. This preliminary display step allows the user to verify the intended operation before it is executed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation members are provided to execute multiple processes, then process capability is improved, but device complexity and reduced operational flexibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess capabilityVSAvoidoperation member quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation unit is designed with multi-functionality to execute multiple processes. A single operation unit can trigger different processes (AF execution, MF assistance, or other operations) based on the displayed candidate operation screen. This eliminates the need for separate operation members for each process, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the function of the operation unit based on the current mode (AF mode or MF mode) and the detected gaze position. The same operation unit can perform different functions depending on the context, allowing the device to handle multiple processes with a single operation member, thereby reducing complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation members are provided to execute multiple processes, then process capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess capabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation unit is designed with multi-functionality to execute multiple processes. A single operation unit can trigger different processes (AF execution, MF assistance, or other operations) based on the displayed candidate operation screen. This eliminates the need for separate operation members for each process, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the function of the operation unit based on the current mode (AF mode or MF mode) and the detected gaze position. The same operation unit can perform different functions depending on the context, allowing the device to handle multiple processes with a single operation member, thereby reducing complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260019701A1Electronic device, control method for electronic device, and program

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CANON KK

AI summary

An electronic device includes: a detection unit configured to detect a gaze position of a user who views a display unit that displays a live-view image captured by an image capturing unit; an operation unit configured to receive an operation performed by the user; a mode switching unit configured to switch between an AF mode and an MF mode; and a control unit configured to execute, in the live-view image displayed on the display unit, (1) in the AF mode, a first process of determining a position where AF is to be executed based on the gaze position on the live-view image, and (2) in the MF mode, a second process for assisting manual focusing based on the gaze position on the live-view image, wherein, in the second process, performing control such that the second process is completed in response to completion of the specific operation.