Subject Frame and Acceptance Frame for Precise Image Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In digital cameras, users face difficulties in accurately designating subjects for tracking, leading to imprecise recognition of the intended tracking target.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device and method that includes a subject frame setting section, an acceptance frame setting section, a position detecting section, and a recognizing section to set a subject frame, an acceptance frame wider than the subject frame, detect a specified position, and recognize the tracking target based on the acceptance frame and specified position, allowing for precise subject tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a subject frame is set to precisely surround the detected subject, then subject detection precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must accurately touch within the subject frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubject detection precisionVSAvoidease of subject selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the selection interface into two distinct functional zones: a subject frame for precise subject identification and an acceptance frame for user input. The subject frame precisely surrounds the detected subject (e.g., face) while the acceptance frame extends beyond it to provide a larger touch target. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve precise subject detection and ease of user operation by separating the precision function from the input function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acceptance frame acts as an intermediary element between the user's touch input and the subject frame. Instead of requiring direct touch on the small subject frame, the acceptance frame serves as a mediator that translates a broader touch area into precise subject selection. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by decoupling the precision requirement from the input requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the acceptance frame is set wider than the subject frame, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the touch position may fall outside the subject frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of subject selectionVSAvoidtouch position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frame structure into an inner subject frame and an outer acceptance frame with distinct functional roles. The subject frame maintains precise boundaries for accurate subject identification, while the acceptance frame provides extended boundaries for ease of touch. This segmentation allows each frame to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying both the subject frame and acceptance frame simultaneously. When the user touches within the acceptance frame, the system provides feedback by selecting the subject corresponding to the touch position, even if outside the subject frame. This feedback mechanism resolves the precision concern by making the relationship between touch position and selected subject transparent to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detectors are operated to detect different subjects, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubject type detection capabilityVSAvoiddetector management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal subject detection system that can detect multiple subject types (faces, animals, objects) using a common detection framework. Instead of requiring separate dedicated systems for each subject type, the system operates multiple detectors within a unified architecture that automatically selects and combines their results. This multi-functionality approach provides adaptability across different subject types while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9311712B2Image processing device and image processing method
Publication Date: 2016.04.12 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US9311712B2 patent drawing
  • US9311712B2 patent drawing
  • US9311712B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing device including a subject frame setting section which, by operating a subject detector which detects a subject captured in an image, sets a subject frame which surrounds a predetermined range of the subject detected from the image; an acceptance frame setting section which sets an acceptance frame with a range wider than the subject frame according to the context of the image; a position detecting section which detects a specified position on an image which is specified by a user; and a recognizing section which recognizes a subject which is a tracking target based on the acceptance frame set by the acceptance frame setting section and the specified position detected by the position detecting section.