Gaze-Based Imaging Control to Prevent Unintended Focus Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with line-of-sight input functionality face issues with improper focusing and brightness control when the user's gaze deviates from the intended target, leading to unintended switching of focus and brightness adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that incorporates a line-of-sight detection system to accurately determine and maintain focus and brightness adjustments based on the user's intended gaze, using a corneal reflex method to detect eye position and adjust settings accordingly, while allowing for optional disabling of gaze-based control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If brightness control by line-of-sight input is added to an electronic device that constantly performs focusing control by line-of-sight input, then the brightness of the attention region can be controlled, but the focusing target may be switched contrary to the user's intention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the line-of-sight input functionality into two independent modes: focusing control mode and brightness control mode. This is achieved by detecting specific operation inputs (first operation input for focusing, second operation input for brightness) that trigger different control behaviors. When the first operation input is detected, the system performs focusing control based on line-of-sight position; when the second operation input is detected, the system performs brightness control while maintaining the current focusing target. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both functionalities to coexist without interference.
2Ease of operation
If the user looks at an object different from the focusing target to control brightness, then the brightness control works as intended, but the focusing target switches contrary to user intention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different control modes based on the detected operation input. The system dynamically adjusts its behavior: in focusing mode, the focusing target follows the line-of-sight position; in brightness mode, the brightness adjusts according to line-of-sight position while the focusing target remains fixed. This dynamic response allows the system to adapt to different user intentions based on the operation context, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and precision.
3Extent of automation
If focusing control is constantly performed by line-of-sight input, then focusing automation is improved, but the user cannot check other regions for framing without switching focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the brightness control function from the focusing control function, allowing them to operate independently. By detecting a second operation input, the system enables brightness adjustment based on line-of-sight position while maintaining the current focusing target unchanged. This extraction allows users to check framing and composition in different regions without affecting the focusing target, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and operational convenience.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes: a line-of-sight input means configured to receive a line-of-sight input by a line of sight of a user who looks at a display means; an acquisition means configured to acquire an image that is captured by predetermined imaging control; a display control means configured to display the acquired image on the display means; a first operation means configured to receive a first operation input by the user; a second operation means configured to receive a second operation input by the user; and a control means configured to, in a state where the image is displayed, perform setting of the predetermined imaging control on a basis of a line-of-sight position when the first operation input is performed, and perform image processing on the displayed image on a basis of the line-of-sight position when the second operation input is performed.