Image Capturing Apparatus Face Detection Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses face challenges in accurately setting exposure control when a user arbitrarily sets a focus detection area, particularly when a face is included in the imaging range, as they often prioritize the focus detection area over the face area, leading to inappropriate brightness settings.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a photometry unit and a face detection unit to determine whether to set the main photometry area based on the face area or the focus detection area, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the exposure control based on user-set information, ensuring appropriate exposure for both the focus detection area and the face area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main photometry area is set based on the focus detection area, then the exposure control follows the user-set focus area, but the face area may receive inappropriate brightness when the face is not within the focus detection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a face detection unit as an intermediary that detects face areas and provides this information to the photometry area setting unit. The photometry area setting unit then acts as a mediator to determine the final photometry area position by considering both the user-set focus detection area and the detected face area, rather than simply following one or the other. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by adding a layer of intelligence that balances user control with automatic face brightness optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the photometry area position based on real-time face detection results. The system does not statically follow the focus detection area position but dynamically adapts the photometry area position when a face is detected, allowing the exposure control to flexibly respond to different scenarios. This dynamic behavior enables the system to switch between following user intent (focus area) and optimizing for face brightness based on detected conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the main photometry area is set to prioritize the face area, then the face brightness is optimized, but the user's arbitrary focus detection area setting may be ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the photometry area position based on the relationship between the detected face area and the user-set focus detection area. When the face area overlaps significantly with the focus detection area or when the face is the primary subject, the photometry area is positioned to prioritize face brightness. When the focus detection area represents a different intended subject, the system respects the user's setting. This dynamic decision-making process maintains both face optimization capability and user control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the face detection unit continuously monitors the imaging range for face areas and provides this information back to the photometry area setting unit. The photometry area setting unit then adjusts the photometry area position based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system can adapt to user intentions while maintaining face brightness optimization when appropriate, rather than rigidly following one rule.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system automatically detects face area, then face brightness can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing focus detection area setting mechanism serve multiple functions: it continues to provide user control over focus area while also serving as one of the inputs for determining the photometry area position. The photometry area setting unit acts as a multi-functional component that processes both user-set focus detection area information and automatically detected face area information to make the final photometry position decision. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate systems and minimizes additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus capable of setting a focus detection area in an imaging range includes a photometry unit, a face detection unit configured to detect a face area, and a photometry area setting unit configured to set a position of a main photometry area. When a user sets the focus detection area and the face detection unit detects a face area, the photometry area setting unit determines whether to set a position of the main photometry area to a position corresponding to the face area or to set a position of the main photometry area to a position corresponding to the focus detection area based on information regarding the face area and information regarding the focus detection area set by the user, and the photometry unit performs photometry on the object based on the position of the main photometry area set by the photometry area setting unit.