Remote Camera Control via Image Pointer Overlap Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users cannot preview or confirm image data before capturing it with a digital camera in remote control systems, leading to unintended image capture and failure to acquire desired images.

Innovation Solution

A remote control system that includes a communication unit to receive and display captured images, with a control unit that overlays a predetermined area on the image and determines if a pointer overlaps with it, sending commands for shooting preparation and capture based on user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a remote control system allows PC to control digital camera for image capture, then the user can remotely operate the camera and transfer images to PC, but the user cannot preview or confirm the image before capture leading to unintended image data being captured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control operationVSAvoidimage capture accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays a predetermined area (shooting frame) on the captured image before actual capture occurs. This preliminary visual indication allows the user to confirm the shooting target area and make adjustments if needed, preventing unintended image capture while maintaining remote control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by overlaying the predetermined area information on the captured image displayed on the PC screen. This feedback mechanism allows the user to verify the shooting area in real-time and confirm before capture, resolving the contradiction between ease of remote operation and reliability of accurate image capture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If the system displays captured image on PC screen after capture, then the user can view the image data, but the user cannot confirm the image before capture to avoid unintended shooting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage confirmationVSAvoidtime to capture desired image

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The predetermined area is displayed on the captured image before the shooting command is executed. This preliminary display provides immediate visual confirmation of the shooting target without requiring a separate preview step, allowing the user to verify and adjust the shooting area in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the live captured image display with the predetermined area indication into a single unified interface on the PC screen. This combination eliminates the need for separate preview and capture confirmation steps, providing both information simultaneously to prevent unintended capture while maintaining efficient workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8964090B2Control apparatus, control method, and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 CANON KK

AI summary

A control apparatus for controlling an image capture apparatus includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit transmits a first command to the image capture apparatus if a predetermined area in a captured image received from the image capture apparatus and a pointer operated by an operation unit are overlapped. The communication unit transmits a second command to the image capture apparatus if a button of the operation unit is clicked in a state that the predetermined area and the pointer are overlapped.