Camera Mode Switching by Air Gesture for Touch-Free Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require manual operations to switch between image capture modes through an operation of the screen, which is not effective for users who cannot easily touch the screen, such as when using a selfie stick or with stained fingers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an image capture method that allows users to switch between single-lens and multi-lens modes using air gestures, utilizing a low-power-consumption camera to recognize gestures and adjust display regions accordingly without touching the screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual screen operation is used to switch image capture modes, then the operation is precise and controllable, but it is inconvenient for users who cannot easily touch the screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of switching image capture modesVSAvoidcomplexity of operation interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch operation system with an air gesture recognition system. The camera captures air gestures (hand movements in front of the screen), and the processor recognizes these gestures to trigger mode switching. This substitution allows users to operate the device without physical contact, solving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity by introducing a non-contact interaction paradigm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary air gesture recognition system between the user and the image capture mode switching function. Instead of direct screen contact, the user performs air gestures that are captured by the camera, processed by the processor, and translated into mode switching commands. This intermediary layer enables convenient operation for users who cannot touch the screen while maintaining system control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a low-power-consumption camera is used for gesture detection, then power consumption is reduced, but the camera has lower frame rate and black and white image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of cameraVSAvoidimage quality for gesture recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary visual information for gesture recognition rather than full-color high-frame-rate video. The low-power camera captures grayscale images at lower frame rates, which are sufficient for detecting hand gesture patterns and movements. This partial information approach reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision for the specific task of gesture recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a low-power-consumption camera that produces lower-quality (black and white, lower frame rate) images, analogous to using a simpler, less expensive sensing mechanism. These lower-fidelity images are sufficient for the temporary task of gesture detection and mode switching, after which the system returns to normal operation. The reduced image quality is acceptable for this specific auxiliary function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4199499B1Image capture method, graphical user interface, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4199499B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4199499B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4199499B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

This application discloses an image capture method, a graphic user interface, and an electronic device. The image capture method can support a user in implementing switching between image capture modes such as single-lens image capture and multi-lens image capture through an air gesture without touching a display screen, so that user operations are convenient.