# US 9,521,310 B2 · Method and apparatus for focusing on subject in digital image processing device

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- Number: US 9,521,310 B2
- Document ID: US9521310B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/582,372
- Filed: 2014-12-24
- Published: 2015-04-23
- Granted: 2016-12-13
- Earliest claimed: 2009-11-17
- Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Applicants: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Inventors: Jae-myung Lee
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9521310B2

## CPC

- H04N 23/675: {comprising setting of focusing regions}
- H04N 23/61: based on recognised objects
- H04N 23/611: where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
- H04N 23/632: {for displaying or modifying preview images prior to image capturing, e.g. variety of image resolutions or capturing parameters}
- H04N 23/635: {Region indicators; Field of view indicators}
- H04N 23/676: {Bracketing for image capture at varying focusing conditions}
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION

## Abstract

An method and apparatus focus on a subject in a digital image processing device, the apparatus including a digital signal processor (DSP) for focusing on a subject based on an eye detected from a face of a subject having a greater ratio than a predetermined ratio in a picture.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus for focusing on a subject, comprising:
a manipulation unit configured to receive a request for a focus adjustment on a subject; and
a digital signal processor configured to:
detect a face of the subject and an eye of the subject;
compare a whole area of the detected face with a predetermined reference value; and
when the area of the detected face is smaller than the predetermined reference value, perform the focus adjustment based on the whole area of the detected face, and when the area of the detected face is greater than the predetermined reference value, perform the focus adjustment based on an area of the detected eye.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus for focusing on a subject of claim 1, wherein the predetermined reference value is an area of a predetermined region of a screen.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The apparatus for focusing on a subject of claim 1, wherein if at least two faces are detected, the digital signal processor performs the focus adjustment on the basis of an area of a face selected by the user from among the at least two faces.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus for focusing on a subject of claim 1, wherein in a bracketing photographing mode, if at least two faces are detected, the digital signal processor performs the focus adjustment on each of the detected faces.

### Claim 5

A method of focusing on a subject, the method comprising:
receiving a request for a focus adjustment on a subject;
detecting a face of the subject and an eye of the subject;
comparing a whole area of the detected face with a predetermined reference value; and
if the area of the detected face is smaller than the predetermined reference value, performing the focus adjustment based on the whole area of the detected face, and if the area of the detected face is greater than the predetermined reference value, performing the focus adjustment based on an area of the detected eye.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of focusing on a subject of claim 5, wherein the predetermined reference value is an area of a predetermined region of a screen.

### Claim 7 (depends on 5)

The method of focusing on a subject of claim 5, wherein in the performing of the focus adjustment, if at least two faces are detected, the focus adjustment is performed on the basis of an area of a face selected by the user from among the at least two faces.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The method of focusing on a subject of claim 5, wherein in the performing of the focus adjustment, in a bracketing photographing mode, if at least two faces are detected, the focus adjustment is performed on each of the detected faces.

### Claim 9 (depends on 5)

A computer readable recording medium having embodied thereon a program for executing the method of claim 5.