Camera Image Processing Option Keys for Mobile Usability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-function wireless communication devices, such as mobile phones, face complexity in operation due to the need for users to navigate multiple menu screens and perform series of key presses to execute desired functions, particularly for camera features, making them difficult to use effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that provides a plurality of image processing option keys, allowing users to perform various functions with a single key press while using the camera, including options like viewing and locating addresses, route planning, storing images for reminders, sending images, dialing numbers, and more, using optical character recognition and quick access soft keys on the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple menu screens and series of key presses are required to execute functions, then device functionality is comprehensive, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operation process into two distinct phases: (1) a setup phase where the user defines custom key mappings once, and (2) an execution phase where the predefined keys perform complex functions instantly. This segmentation allows comprehensive functionality to be preserved while eliminating the need for repeated menu navigation during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the user to pre-configure custom key mappings during an initial setup phase. The system stores these mappings in memory, so that during subsequent operations, users can directly press the customized keys without needing to navigate through menus again. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by trading one-time setup effort for ongoing operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple menu screens are required to access functions, then device versatility is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction availabilityVSAvoidtime to execute function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the function access process into a configuration stage (where all functions are mapped to keys) and an execution stage (where functions are triggered instantly). This segmentation eliminates the time loss associated with menu navigation during actual function execution, while preserving full device versatility through the pre-established mappings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By performing the key mapping configuration in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming menu navigation during function execution. The preliminary setup stores all necessary function associations in memory, enabling instant access and thereby resolving the time loss issue while maintaining comprehensive function availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive multi-function capabilities are integrated, then device functionality increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling each customized key to represent multiple functions through stored mappings. A single key press can trigger different functions based on the pre-configured associations, allowing the device to provide comprehensive multi-function capability while maintaining simple operation. The system becomes universally applicable to various functions without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified interface layer that copies or replicates multiple function triggers through a single key press. Instead of requiring separate menu navigation for each function, the system creates virtual key mappings that copy the effect of complex multi-step operations into simple single-key actions, thereby reducing operational complexity while preserving full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8059897B2Method for automatically performing an image processing function on an electronic device

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method (400) for automatically performing a plurality of image processing functions on an electronic device (100) by providing a plurality of image processing option keys (405) including a first image processing option key and a second image processing option key. The first image processing option key is associated with a first image processing function and the second image processing option key is associated with a second image processing function that is different from the first image processing function. The method (400) performs capturing (410) a first image using a camera (119) in response to a user activation of the first image processing option key and then automatically performing (415) the first image processing function in response to capturing the first image. Next, there is performed a capturing (420) a second image using the camera (119) in response to a user activation of the second image processing option key and automatically performing (425) the second image processing function in response to capturing the second image. Both the first image processing function and the second image processing function are selected from a group of functions.