Camera Control Using Virtual Button and Gesture Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable electronic devices face difficulties in efficiently switching between image and video capture modes, often missing photo opportunities due to the time-consuming process of switching formats.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically control image and video capture devices using buttons, virtual buttons, and gestures, where holding a capture button beyond a threshold time saves a capture as a video, and releasing it before the threshold time saves it as an image, with a timer determining the format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually switches between image and video capture modes using traditional methods, then the capture mode can be changed, but the process is time-consuming and may cause the user to miss photo opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the capture mode flexible and changeable during the capture process itself. Instead of requiring a mode switch before capture, the system allows the user to hold the capture button for a predetermined time threshold to dynamically switch from image capture mode to video capture mode mid-process. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for pre-capture mode selection and reduces the time required to change formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-setting a predetermined time threshold that automatically determines the capture mode. When the user presses and holds the capture button, the system is already prepared to switch modes once the threshold is reached, eliminating the need for manual mode selection steps. This preliminary configuration of the time threshold enables rapid format conversion without additional user actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses traditional separate buttons for image and video capture, then mode selection is clear, but the device complexity and number of controls increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the single capture button perform multiple functions. The same capture button is used for both image capture and video capture, with the capture mode determined dynamically by the duration the button is held. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate image capture button and video capture button, reducing device complexity while maintaining capture mode flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by varying the capture mode based on the time parameter - specifically, whether the capture button is held for less than or more than a predetermined time threshold. This parameter-based control method allows a single button to control multiple capture modes without requiring additional physical controls, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling a image and video capture device using buttons, virtual buttons, and/or gestures. The system permits the user to control an image capture device by determining through a user command whether to save a captured video as an image or as a video file. For example, holding the capture button beyond a threshold time indicates the capture should be saved as a video, while releasing the capture button before the threshold time indicates the capture should be saved as an image.