Camera Burst Capture Control via Motion Sensor Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with cameras often capture blurred images due to user-induced camera movement, as existing technologies lack effective methods to control the number of consecutive images captured based on motion data to select the best image.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a method to control the number of consecutive images captured by a camera module based on motion data from sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers, adjusting the image buffer capacity to increase or decrease the number of images captured depending on detected movement, and discarding images taken during significant motion to retain only those with minimal blur.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of consecutive images captured is increased to improve image quality selection, then the probability of obtaining a clear image increases, but the image buffer capacity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system dynamically adjusts the number of consecutive images captured based on real-time motion detection data. When motion is detected, the system increases the number of images captured to ensure at least one clear image is obtained. When the device is stable, it reduces the number of images captured. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the capture strategy to actual shooting conditions rather than using a fixed number of images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If motion detection is used to control image capture, then image quality improves by selecting clear images, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the device's existing motion sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) that are already present for other functions like screen orientation and step counting. The camera application utilizes these existing sensors' data to determine capture timing, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional dedicated sensors for motion detection during photo capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If consecutive images are captured during motion to increase selection options, then the chance of finding a clear image improves, but memory usage and data processing increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmemory usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of capturing a large fixed number of images, the system captures a moderate number of images and uses motion detection data to identify which specific images are likely to be clear. This partial action approach focuses processing on the most promising images rather than evaluating all captured images, reducing memory and processing requirements while maintaining high image quality selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

This approach enhances the chances of capturing high-quality images by increasing the number of candidate images during unsteady conditions and reducing them during stable conditions, effectively reducing image blurring and improving image selection.

Implementation Method 1

motion data from sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

motion data from sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3629571B1Methods and devices for controlling camera image capture
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3629571B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3629571B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3629571B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and devices for controlling the number of consecutive images captured in a burst operating mode are described. In one example embodiment, the present disclosure describes a method implemented by a processor of an electronic device. The electronic device has a camera module. The camera module is configured to temporarily capture a number of consecutive images to an image buffer when operation of the camera module is triggered. The method includes: obtaining motion data from a motion sensor on the electronic device; and based on the motion data, controlling the number of consecutive images captured by the camera module when operation of the camera module is triggered.