Image Processing Apparatus Main Object Re-determination for Tracking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems fail to correct erroneous object detection in digital cameras, leading to unstable focus adjustment and incorrect main object selection, especially when multiple types of objects are detected.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a detection unit, main object determination unit, and tracking unit that continuously evaluates and re-determines the main object based on detection results, comparing parameters like size, position, reliability, frequency, and number of parts to ensure accurate focus adjustment and exposure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all types of dictionary data are kept used even after an object is once detected and selected as a main object, then the system can detect various types of objects, but erroneous detection occurs where an object that is supposed to be undetectable with the dictionary data is detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between different dictionary data sets based on the current detection state. When a main object is detected, the system transitions from using all dictionary data to using only the dictionary data corresponding to the detected object type, making the detection process adaptive and reducing erroneous detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by switching the dictionary data configuration. Initially, all dictionary data are used for comprehensive detection, but after detecting a main object, the system changes to using only the specific dictionary data for that object type, thereby maintaining detection versatility while improving accuracy
2Reliability
If the conventional technique is used to re-select the main object based on the same dictionary data, then the system can correct some detection errors, but if erroneous detection occurs in succession, the conventional technique may possibly change the main object by mistake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the system first determines whether a detected object is a main object using specific determination criteria before switching dictionary data. This intermediary step prevents direct switching based on erroneous detection alone, thereby maintaining tracking stability while correcting genuine detection errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection results are continuously evaluated against determination criteria. The system uses this feedback to decide whether to switch dictionary data or maintain the current main object, preventing erroneous switching while allowing correction of actual detection errors
3Stability of the object's composition
If a region undesirable for focus adjustment is erroneously kept detected with a certain degree of stability, then the detection appears consistent, but the focus adjustment target region becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of whether a detected object is the main object before committing to tracking and focus adjustment. By evaluating detection results against specific criteria in advance, the system prevents erroneous objects from being selected as main objects, ensuring both detection consistency and focus adjustment accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a memory device that stores a set of instructions, and at least one processor that executes the set of instructions to function as an acquisition unit configured to acquire an image, a detection unit configured to detect objects of different types, a main object determination unit configured to determine an object as a main object based on a result of the detection by the detection unit, and a tracking unit configured to track the object determined as the main object by the main object determination unit. In a state where the object being tracked is continuously detected by the detection unit, in a case where an object of a type different from a type of the object being tracked is detected in addition to the object being tracked, the main object determination unit re-determines which type of object is the main object.