Camera Effects Interfaces Using Depth Maps for Faster Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing camera effects on electronic devices are cumbersome, inefficient, and require extensive user input, wasting time and energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for managing camera effects, including the use of depth map information and filter picker user interfaces, which allow for quick transitions between visual effects with minimal user input and reduced power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional camera effect management techniques are used, then visual effects can be applied to captured images and videos, but the process requires extensive user input and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input requirementVSAvoidtime for effect application
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects objects in the scene and applies appropriate visual effects without requiring user selection or input. The camera device autonomously determines which effects to apply based on scene analysis, eliminating the need for manual effect selection and reducing both user input requirements and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-processes the captured scene to identify objects and determines suitable visual effects in advance before the actual capture or playback. This preliminary analysis allows the effects to be applied automatically during capture or in real-time during playback, significantly reducing the time required for effect application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If traditional camera effect management techniques are used, then visual effects can be modified in viewfinders, but the process is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffect management efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and separates the effect selection functionality from the traditional complex menu interfaces. By presenting only the most relevant effects based on scene analysis, the system simplifies the user interface while maintaining efficient effect management, removing unnecessary complexity from the interaction flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different levels of automation to different aspects of effect management. High-level decisions about which effects to apply are automated based on scene analysis, while allowing user control when needed. This localized approach to automation improves efficiency without completely removing user agency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If extensive processing is performed to apply visual effects, then captured images and videos exhibit the desired effects, but device energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffect application accuracyVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies visual effects selectively based on scene analysis rather than processing all captured content uniformly. By identifying specific objects or regions that would benefit from effects and applying them only where appropriate, the system maintains high effect application accuracy while significantly reducing overall processing requirements and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on the analyzed scene characteristics. When simple scenes are detected, minimal processing is applied; when complex scenes require more sophisticated effect application, processing intensity is increased accordingly. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains reliability while optimizing energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4287606B1User interface camera effects
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 APPLE INC
  • EP4287606B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4287606B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4287606B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces. In some examples, the electronic device provides for transitioning between simulated lighting effects. In some examples, the electronic device applies a simulated lighting effect to an image. In some examples, the electronic device provides user interfaces for applying a filter to an image. In some examples, the electronic device provides for a reduced filter interface. In some examples, the electronic device provides a visual aid displayed in a viewfinder.