Imaging Apparatus Shutter Lag Reduction via Pre-Detected Face Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses experience a significant shutter time lag due to the longer time required for face detection compared to autofocus (AF) or automatic exposure (AE) processing, leading to an undesirable delay between half-pressing and fully pressing the shutter button.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a photographic subject detecting unit that repeatedly detects and stores subject information, allowing for the retrieval and use of pre-existing face detection data to set imaging parameters quickly, thereby reducing the need for additional face detection during AF and AE processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If face detection processing is performed before AF and AE processing, then accurate face-based imaging parameters can be obtained, but shutter time lag increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs face detection processing in advance during the EVF display period before the shutter release button is pressed. The detected face information is stored and reused when AF and AE processing is triggered, eliminating the need to perform face detection again at shooting time. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by obtaining accurate face detection results beforehand without adding time lag to the shooting trigger response.
2Loss of time
If face detection algorithm is simplified to reduce processing time, then shutter time lag decreases, but face detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive face detection processing in advance during the EVF display period when time is not critical. The detected face information including skin color and face contour is stored and reused during shooting, allowing complex algorithms to be used without impacting shutter time lag. This resolves the contradiction by separating the timing of detailed detection from the timing of shooting trigger response.
3Reliability
If face detection is performed repeatedly to track moving subjects, then subject tracking accuracy improves, but processing overhead and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs face detection continuously during the EVF display period at regular intervals, maintaining continuous tracking of moving subjects. The detected face information is updated and stored, ensuring that when shooting is triggered, the most recent face information is available. This continuous action improves subject tracking accuracy while distributing processing load over time rather than concentrating it at shooting moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs face detection and stores the results in advance during the EVF display period. When shooting is triggered, the pre-detected face information is reused, eliminating the need for repeated detection processing at shooting time. This reduces processing overhead at critical moments while maintaining tracking accuracy through continuous detection during the display period.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the shutter time lag by utilizing pre-detected face information to expedite AF and AE processing, minimizing the delay between switching states and ensuring faster image capture.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a photographic subject image formed by an imaging optical system into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for an imaging apparatus includes photoelectrically converting a photographic subject image formed by an imaging optical system, repetitively detecting a photographic subject region based on a signal obtained from the photoelectric conversion applied to the photographic subject image, storing photographic subject information of the detected photographic subject region, acquiring the stored photographic subject information, reading, from the stored photographic subject information, photographic subject information corresponding to a point in time when an operation for reading the photographic subject information is performed, and setting an imaging parameter based on the read photographic subject information.