Sight-Line Autofocus Switching for Faster Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture apparatuses require multiple operation steps to switch between functions, leading to delayed focusing and missed shooting opportunities when changing autofocus targets, and existing solutions either complicate the operation or override desired functions.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus with a sight line detection unit and two operation units that allow a first pressing operation to initiate processing on an object and a second operation to switch the processing target to the user's sight line, reducing the number of steps needed to change autofocus targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation members are used to execute different functions, then the functionality of the image capture apparatus is enhanced, but the number of operation steps increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member is designed to perform multiple functions through different pressing operations. A single operation member can execute both a first function (e.g., autofocus) and a second function (e.g., switch to sight line position autofocus) by combining different pressing patterns, eliminating the need for separate operation members for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions that were previously performed by separate operation members are merged into a single operation member. The control unit is configured to identify different functions based on the pressing operation pattern (first pressing operation vs. second pressing operation) and execute the appropriate function, thereby reducing the total number of operation members needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation members are used to switch between functions, then different functions can be executed, but the time required to switch functions increases and shooting opportunities may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple functions in advance within the single operation member. When a user needs to switch functions, the control unit can immediately execute the pre-configured second function (sight line position autofocus) without requiring the user to navigate through multiple operation members or menu settings, thus reducing switching time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit detects the pressing operation pattern and automatically determines which function to execute. By providing feedback on the pressing operation (identifying whether it's a first or second pressing operation), the system can rapidly switch between functions without requiring additional user input or confirmation steps.
3Reliability
If the shutter-release button is fixed for still image shooting, then the primary function is maintained, but the ability to execute additional functions on the same button is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing operation is segmented into different types (first pressing operation and second pressing operation). The control unit distinguishes between these segments based on the operation pattern and executes different functions accordingly. This allows the shutter-release button to maintain its primary still image shooting function while also supporting additional functions like autofocus and sight line position switching through different pressing segments.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture apparatus includes an imaging unit, a processing unit that performs predetermined processing for an object in an image captured by the imaging unit, a sight line detection unit that detects a sight line position of a user, a first operation unit that issues a shooting instruction, a second operation unit different from the first operation unit, and a control unit that performs control to execute the predetermined processing for a first object in the image in accordance with a first pressing operation on the second operation unit and to switch a target of the predetermined processing to an object corresponding to the sight line position of the user in accordance with a second pressing operation following the first pressing operation on the second operation unit.