Blended Image Generation via Device Orientation Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image display technologies fail to effectively show multiple views of an object in a dynamic and seamless manner, requiring users to manually switch between static images, which limits the user's experience and the ability to showcase an object's various aspects.

Innovation Solution

A system that captures images of an object from various angles and associates each image with an orientation, using device orientation (determined by gyroscopic sensors) to generate a blended image, allowing smooth transitions as the device is rotated, by selecting and weighting images based on their orientation proximity to the device's rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple static images are provided to show different views of an object, then the user can see various aspects of the object, but the user must manually switch between images which creates a discontinuous and less engaging experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to show multiple viewsVSAvoiduser interaction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static image viewing into a dynamic experience by using device rotation to automatically select and blend images. Instead of manual switching, the system dynamically responds to device orientation changes, creating continuous and engaging viewing of multiple object aspects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image blending mechanism as an intermediary between discrete static images and the desired continuous view. The blending algorithm smooths transitions between images based on device rotation, eliminating the discontinuity of manual switching while maintaining the ability to show multiple views

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If pre-existing images are used to match exact device rotation, then the displayed image corresponds precisely to the device orientation, but requires a large set of pre-captured images from all possible angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage orientation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of required images

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from requiring exact orientation matches to using orientation proximity for image selection. By using blending weights based on angular distance rather than exact matches, the system achieves sufficient precision with fewer pre-captured images, reducing the quantity required while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of capturing images at all possible orientations (excessive action), the patent captures images at a representative set of angles and uses blending to interpolate between them. This partial sampling approach achieves the desired precision without the excessive image collection requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is moved to different locations to capture images from different angles, then various views of the object can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle coverageVSAvoidimage capture time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the image capture and orientation association in advance (preliminary action), creating a database of images with their corresponding orientations. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly respond to device rotation without requiring real-time capture, significantly reducing the time needed during actual use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to see different aspects of an object smoothly and interactively, providing a more engaging experience by continuously updating the displayed image as the device orientation changes, effectively showcasing the object's various views without the need for pre-existing images matching the exact device rotation.

Implementation Method 1

The user device determines the orientation of the device, e.g., using a set of gyroscopic sensors or accelerometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

The user device determines the orientation of the device, e.g., using a set of gyroscopic sensors or accelerometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9836875B2Viewing angle image manipulation based on device rotation

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 FLIPBOARD INC

AI summary

A user device uses sensors to determine the rotation of the user device with respect to a reference orientation. Using the user device rotation, an image manipulation module accesses images that are associated with image rotations. A set of the images are selected based on the device rotation to select images that have image orientations corresponding to the device rotation. A weight may be determined for each selected image, and the images are combined to generate a blended image using the weights. The blended image is displayed to the user, and as the rotation of the user devices changes, the process is repeated to display changing blended images based on the device rotation, thereby animating the rotation effect.