Action Camera Face-Direction Framing from Wide-Angle Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup methods, such as using fixing-to-head accessories or entire-celestial-sphere cameras, are cumbersome, distort images, and require manual adjustment, making it difficult for users to focus on their experiences while capturing images.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a face direction detection unit, user movement detection, and a processor that automatically adjusts the image extraction based on face direction and movement to capture desired images without manual direction changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera is fixed to the head using a fixing-to-head accessory, then the user can perform image pickup without being occupied with manual operation, but the user feels uneasy about the accessory and camera due to their weights and appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fixing-to-head accessory with a wearable upper garment (vest, jacket, or shirt) that has integrated image pickup functionality. The camera is embedded in the garment rather than mechanically attached to the head, eliminating the harmful effects of head-mounted weight and appearance concerns while maintaining hands-free operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable upper garment serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for the image pickup device, acts as clothing for the user, and integrates the camera system into a versatile piece of apparel that can be worn in various situations without causing discomfort or appearance issues
2Ease of operation
If an entire-celestial-sphere camera is used to pick up wide area images, then the user can focus attention on their experience, but the picked-up images require troublesome conversion and extraction operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-processing the wide-angle image data during or immediately after capture. The extraction unit automatically extracts the desired image portion based on face direction detection results, and the development unit develops this extracted portion into a normal perspective image, eliminating the need for troublesome post-capture conversion operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image processing. The extraction unit automatically determines what portion to extract based on detected face direction, and the development unit automatically converts the extracted portion to normal perspective, eliminating manual intervention and reducing time loss
3Area of stationary object
If an entire-celestial-sphere camera with fish-eye lenses is used, then the user can pick up entire-celestial-sphere images, but the images suffer from great distortion especially in peripheral areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by developing the extracted image portion into a normal perspective image that corrects distortion locally. The development unit transforms the distorted wide-angle or extracted portion into an image with natural perspective, so that while the pickup area remains wide, the final displayed image has proper geometric accuracy without peripheral distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary distortion correction by extracting the desired portion from the wide-angle image and developing it into normal perspective before final output. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for users to deal with distorted images afterward
4Measurement precision
If the user manually directs the camera toward the object, then the image pickup can be controlled, but the user cannot focus on other actions or experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through face direction detection. The detection unit continuously monitors the user's face direction, and this information feeds back to the extraction unit which automatically adjusts the image extraction to match the user's line of sight. This closed-loop feedback system maintains precise image pickup control without requiring manual camera direction
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting image extraction and development based on detected face direction. The extraction unit automatically determines what to extract, and the development unit automatically converts it to normal perspective, eliminating manual camera direction while maintaining control precision
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus that eliminate manual change of an image pickup direction during picking up an image and can easily obtain an image that records experience while focusing attention on the experience. An image pickup unit picks up a wide-angle image. A face direction detection unit detects a direction of a face of a user. A user movement detection unit detects a movement of the user. A processor executes a set of instructions stored in a memory device to detect a vertical movement and/or a horizontal movement of the face based on an output of the face direction detection unit, determine a position and/or a size of an extraction image extracted from the wide-angle image based on the direction and movements of the face and the movement of the user, and extract the extraction image from the wide angle image with the position and/or the size determined.