Multi-Subject Image Capture with Localized Exposure and Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image taking systems, such as digital cameras with automatic exposure control and autofocus, often result in out-of-focus images when multiple subjects are present, as exposure and focusing are determined based on a single subject, leading to unintended deviations in image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image taking system that detects multiple objective bodies, determines exposure and focusing positions for each, and allows users to select and store images based on optimal exposure and focus for each subject, using a focusing evaluation value calculation to streamline focusing position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exposure control and focusing position are determined based on a single human, then the selected human can be properly exposed and focused, but other humans in the image may be out of focus and deviate from user intention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into separate handling for each detected human. It determines exposure and focusing position independently for each human subject, then combines the results. This allows each subject to receive optimal focusing and exposure treatment while maintaining overall image coherence, resolving the contradiction between single-subject precision and multi-subject adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different focusing and exposure parameters to different regions of the image corresponding to different humans. By calculating focusing evaluation values and determining focusing positions for each human individually, the system ensures that each subject receives localized quality optimization, allowing some subjects to be in focus while others may have different focus states based on their specific positions and characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If focusing position is determined by calculating focusing evaluation value over a wide range, then accurate focusing can be achieved, but the time required for focusing position determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of humans and their positions in the image before determining focusing positions. By pre-identifying the spatial locations and characteristics of multiple humans, the system can narrow down the focusing evaluation range to areas where humans are detected, rather than scanning the entire image range. This preliminary action significantly reduces the time required for focusing position determination while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent calculates focusing evaluation values only for the ranges corresponding to detected human positions rather than the entire image range. By localizing the focusing evaluation to specific regions where subjects are present, the system achieves accurate focusing position determination for each human while reducing the overall computational time and processing range.
Data Source
AI summary
An image taking method includes the steps of taking an image of an object to be taken, thereby generating image data. A predetermined objective body is detected from the image data. Exposure and/or focusing position are determined for each of the detected objective bodies. The image taking means is caused to take an image of each objective body according to the exposure and/or the focusing position determined for each of the detected objective bodies in response to one image-taking action.