Imaging Control Subject Type Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging systems fail to allow users to switch between detected subject types while viewing a captured image, limiting usability in selecting and focusing on different subjects.

Innovation Solution

An imaging control apparatus with a detection unit, switching unit, and control unit that enables users to switch between subject types by displaying detected subjects in distinct manners, allowing for seamless switching between main and sub subjects during image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a user selects a race to detect on a menu screen, then the face detection is based on feature data about the selected race, but the user cannot change the type of subject while viewing the captured image or switch among subjects of the changed type

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveface detection accuracyVSAvoidsubject switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different subject types (first type and second type) based on user input during image capture, rather than being fixed to a single type selected on the menu screen. This allows the detection target to change adaptively while viewing the captured image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging control apparatus is designed to detect and handle multiple types of subjects (first type and second type) within the same system, making it universally applicable to different subject categories without requiring separate detection systems for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system detects subjects belonging to multiple types, then more subject options are available, but the complexity of selecting and managing different subject types increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-type subject detectionVSAvoidsubject selection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments subjects into distinct types (first type and second type) with clear boundaries, making it easier to manage and select between different subject categories rather than dealing with a undifferentiated mix of all possible subjects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to navigate complex menus to select subject types before capture, the system inverts the approach by allowing type switching after capture has begun, giving users more flexibility with simpler interaction during the capture phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11625948B2Imaging control apparatus capable of selecting detected subject and method for the same

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 CANON KK

AI summary

An imaging control apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect, from a captured image, subjects belonging to a plurality of types including a first type and a second type a switching unit configured to switch a type, a selection unit configured to select any subject from among a plurality of subjects belonging to the second type, and a control unit configured to perform control so as to display a first subject belonging to the first type in a first display manner and display a second subject belonging to the second type in a second display manner in a case where the type for which the predetermined processing is the first type, and display the second subject in the first display manner in response to switching to the second type by the switching unit.