Imaging Apparatus Proximity-Based Line-of-Sight Focus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses inadvertently select focus detection regions based on unintended line-of-sight inputs, leading to loss of imaging opportunities due to constant threshold values for gaze detection, and increasing these values prolongs the time to select the correct focus region.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a proximity detection unit and a control unit that prohibits specific functions based on line-of-sight input for a predetermined period after detection, allowing intended focus detection only after this period has elapsed, thereby reducing unintended processing and ensuring accurate focus selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a constant predetermined threshold value is used for gaze detection, then the system can detect line-of-sight inputs, but unintended focus detection occurs immediately after eye proximity detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by setting a prohibition period immediately after eye proximity detection. During this prohibition period, the line-of-sight input function is disabled before any gaze detection can occur. This prevents unintended focus detection while still allowing accurate line-of-sight detection once the prohibition period expires, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and reliability.
2Reliability
If the threshold value is increased to prevent unintended detection, then false positive reduction is achieved, but the time to select focus detection region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the time period after eye proximity detection into two distinct phases: a prohibition period where line-of-sight input is disabled to prevent unintended detection, and a subsequent period where normal gaze detection operates. This segmentation eliminates the need to increase the overall threshold value, thereby preventing false positives without extending the total time for focus detection region selection.
3Reliability
If the prohibition period is set long, then unintended processing is fully prevented, but imaging opportunities are lost due to delayed focus selection
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by setting the prohibition period to a specific duration (e.g., 0.5 seconds) that balances reliability and productivity. This dynamic time parameter allows sufficient time for the user to intentionally initiate line-of-sight input while being short enough to capture imaging opportunities promptly. The prohibition period automatically expires, transitioning the system from a protected state to an active detection state, optimizing both unintended input prevention and imaging speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a finder, a proximity detection unit configured to detect a proximity of an object to the finder, a receiving unit configured to receive a line-of-sight input, and a control unit configured to perform control to prohibit, after the proximity of the object is detected by the proximity detection unit, a specific function based on a position input by the line-of-sight input of the user from being performed until a first period of time has elapsed even in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied, and allow, after the proximity of the object is detected by the proximity detection unit and the first period of time has elapsed, the specific function based on the position input by the line-of-sight input of the user to be performed, in response to satisfaction of the predetermined condition.