Camera Image Capture with Automatic Multi-Configuration Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photographers often discard captured images due to issues like subject movement, poor lighting, or inappropriate camera settings, as existing technologies do not efficiently capture multiple images or videos simultaneously without manual mode switching.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a camera automatically captures multiple still images and video clips in viewfinder mode, analyzing them to select the best image or interesting video segments, and presenting these to the user without manual intervention, while enhancing exposure control and horizon detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera captures multiple images using different configurations, then the quality and reliability of captured images are improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capture system is segmented into multiple independent configuration sets (e.g., different exposure times, ISO settings, focal lengths) that can be independently selected and executed. Each configuration captures a portion of the desired information, and the system segments the decision-making process into analyzing current scene conditions and matching them against predefined configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple image configurations are pre-analyzed and stored as valid options before the actual capture moment. The system preliminarily determines which configurations are appropriate based on scene analysis, so that when capture is triggered, the system only needs to execute pre-vetted configurations rather than making complex decisions in real-time.
2Productivity
If the camera captures multiple images and videos simultaneously, then the productivity of image capture is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The capture system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the current scene conditions, selecting appropriate configurations from pre-determined options, and executing captures without requiring the user to manually switch between different capture modes or adjust settings. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about what to capture based on embedded scene understanding algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse capture scenarios (still images, videos, different configurations) through a single unified interface. Instead of requiring separate manual control for each capture mode, the system universally manages all capture types through automatic scene analysis and configuration selection, making the complex multi-functional system as easy to operate as a simple single-function device.
3Manufacturing precision
If exposure control is enhanced for low-light conditions, then the image quality in low-light is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively enhancing exposure only for specific configurations and time periods needed to capture adequate low-light images, rather than continuously operating at maximum exposure settings. The system captures multiple images with varying exposure levels, using just enough enhanced exposure to achieve the necessary image quality threshold, avoiding excessive energy consumption from sustained high-power operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are techniques that provide a "best" picture taken within a few seconds of the moment when a capture command is received (e.g., when the "shutter" button is pressed). In some situations, several still images are automatically (that is, without the user's input) captured. These images are compared to find a "best" image that is presented to the photographer for consideration. Video is also captured automatically and analyzed to see if there is an action scene or other motion content around the time of the capture command. If the analysis reveals anything interesting, then the video clip is presented to the photographer. The video clip may be cropped to match the still-capture scene and to remove transitory parts. Higher-precision horizon detection may be provided based on motion analysis and on pixel-data analysis.