Audio-Based Image Capture Settings Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Determining image capture settings in electronic devices is a time-consuming process, leading to missed scenes or moments due to delays in adjusting exposure, white balance, and focus settings.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize audio inputs to determine contextual information, allowing for real-time adjustment of image capture settings such as white balance gain, exposure settings, and lens position, by processing audio inputs and combining them with environmental metadata.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional image capture setting determination methods are used, then accurate image capture settings can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and causes delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of image capture settingsVSAvoiddelay in determining image capture settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of audio inputs to predict upcoming environmental changes (such as transitioning from indoor to outdoor environments) before they occur. This allows the camera to pre-adjust capture settings like exposure, white balance, and focus in anticipation of the change, eliminating the delay associated with waiting for visual sensors to detect the actual environmental change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Audio inputs serve as an intermediary signal that provides early indication of environmental changes. The audio processing system acts as a mediator between the user's environment and the camera settings, translating audio cues (such as traffic noise indicating outdoor transition) into predictive information that guides proactive adjustment of image capture parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If real-time adjustment of image capture settings is implemented, then missed scenes can be avoided, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of capturing imagesVSAvoidcomplexity of setting determination process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional visual-based feedback mechanisms with audio-based predictive processing. Instead of relying on the camera's visual sensors to detect environmental changes and trigger setting adjustments, the system uses audio inputs (processed by microphones and audio processing circuits) to predict and initiate setting changes, simplifying the control architecture while enabling faster response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio processing system serves multiple functions: it detects environmental transitions, predicts upcoming changes, triggers setting adjustments, and provides contextual information for multiple camera parameters simultaneously (exposure, white balance, focus). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11687316B2Audio based image capture settings

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems for determining image capture settings based on an audio input are disclosed. In some aspects, a device includes a memory, a camera including a lens and a sensor, and a processor coupled to the camera and the memory. The processor may be configured to receive an audio input, determine contextual information based on the audio input, determine one or more image capture settings based on the contextual information, and output the one or more image capture settings.