Image Processing for Posture-Aware Main-Subject Selection and Stable Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face issues with a drop in moving image quality due to frequent changes in the distance of the main subject, leading to periods where no subject is in focus.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that detects subjects of different types, evaluates their postures, and determines a main subject based on reliability and focus conditions, ensuring stable focus on the main subject.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the main subject is determined based on distance from the image capture apparatus, then the subject closest to the tracking target can be identified, but the distance to the main subject changes drastically causing frequent focus changes and degraded moving image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the determination parameters from distance-based to posture-based evaluation. By detecting posture information (standing, sitting, lying down) and using reliability scores combined with focus conditions, the system selects main subjects more stably, reducing frequent distance-based focus adjustments that degrade moving image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates focus condition feedback into the main subject determination process. By continuously monitoring whether subjects are in focus and combining this with posture detection and reliability scores, the system adjusts main subject selection to maintain stable focus, preventing quality degradation from frequent focus changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent main subject changes are allowed, then the closest subject to the tracking target is always selected, but periods where no subject is in focus increase reducing overall image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic posture detection and reliability evaluation that adapts to scene changes while maintaining focus stability. The system dynamically assesses subject postures and reliability scores but combines this with focus conditions to create a balanced selection process that allows necessary adaptability while preventing excessive main subject changes that would cause focus instability
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus detects, from an image, a subject(s) of a first type and a subject(s) of a second type. The apparatus further detects a posture for each of the subject(s) of the first type. The apparatus then obtains, for each of the subject(s) of the first type, reliability that the subject is a main subject, based on the posture, and obtains a focus condition for each of the subject(s) of the first type and each of the subject(s) of the second type. The apparatus determines, based on the reliability and the focus condition, a main subject from the subject(s) of the first type and the subject(s) of the second type detected from the image.