Audio-Controlled Image Capturing Using Sound Event Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing technologies, especially in multi-shot functionality, often require quick user reactions to capture moving objects optimally, leading to potential missed moments and time-consuming post-processing to select the best image, as they rely solely on visual cues without audio assistance.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving and analyzing audio signals associated with a series of images to determine auditory events, using microphone arrays to estimate sound direction and energy changes, thereby automatically selecting the optimal image for enhanced quality capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple images are captured in multi-shot functionality to ensure capturing the right moment, then the probability of capturing the desired moment is improved, but the time required for post-processing to select the best image increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobability of capturing desired momentVSAvoidpost-processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images with different exposure times before the user needs to select the final image. The audio analysis is also performed preliminarily to identify the desired moment, so that when post-processing is needed, the best image can be quickly identified without extensive manual review of all captured images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses audio signals as feedback to automatically determine which captured image corresponds to the desired moment. By analyzing audio events and comparing them with timestamps of captured images, the system provides feedback that identifies the optimal image, reducing the manual selection burden and post-processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the user manually selects the best image from multiple captured images, then the quality control is improved, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality controlVSAvoidimage selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing captured images using audio analysis results to identify and select the image corresponding to the desired moment. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention in the selection process, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining quality control through automated objective criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of user image selection is replaced with an automated system combining audio analysis and image processing. The audio-based automatic selection mechanism substitutes the manual visual inspection and selection process, reducing operation complexity while preserving quality control through systematic automated evaluation.

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

3Ease of operation

If audio analysis is used to automatically select images, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated image selectionVSAvoidaudio processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio processing system serves multiple functions: it detects audio events, determines timing of desired moments, identifies objects of interest, and triggers image selection. By making the audio analysis system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving automated image selection.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The audio signal acts as an intermediary that connects the captured images with the selection process. Instead of directly complex image processing algorithms, the system uses audio analysis as an intermediary layer to identify the desired moment, which then guides the selection of the corresponding image. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining automated selection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2449426B1Audio-controlled image capturing
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2449426B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2449426B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2449426B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

A method comprising: receiving a plurality of images corresponding to a time period covering the intended moment for releasing the shutter; receiving an audio signal associated with the plurality of images using audio capturing means; analyzing the received audio signal in order to determine an auditory event associated with a desired output image; and selecting at least one of the plurality of images on the basis of the analysis of the received audio signal for further processing in order to obtain the desired output image.