Digital Camera Image Rotation via Symbolic Orientation Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras require manual rotation of images shot at non-standard orientations, increasing user inconvenience and manufacturing costs due to the need for gravity sensors to automatically adjust image storage directions.
Innovation Solution
A signal processor with a symbol generator, position setting/storage, judgment unit, and image processor that displays a symbol to indicate the image reference direction, allowing users to set and store the image rotation (90° or 180°) without physically rotating the camera, thereby automatically rotating and storing images in the correct orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gravity sensor is mounted in the camera to automatically recognize rotational direction, then automatic image rotation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and camera size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a symbol (such as an arrow or indicator) displayed on the camera's screen to represent the rotational direction. Instead of using a physical gravity sensor, the system creates a visual copy or representation of the orientation information that guides the user to rotate the camera appropriately. This symbolic representation achieves the functional equivalent of sensor-based detection without the hardware overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical gravity sensor system with an electronic software-based solution. The camera uses its existing orientation sensors (accelerometers or gyroscopes) in combination with software processing to determine rotational direction, then displays a symbol indicating the correct orientation. This substitutes a complex mechanical sensing system with a lighter electronic/software system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual rotation menu is provided for each image, then image rotation capability is achieved, but user operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically determining the rotational direction of the camera at the moment of image capture using orientation sensors. The system pre-processes the orientation information and stores it alongside the image data, so that when the image is reviewed, the rotation can be automatically applied without requiring user intervention. This preliminary detection and storage of orientation data eliminates the need for subsequent manual rotation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the camera system to serve itself by automatically detecting its own rotational orientation using built-in sensors and software. The camera performs self-diagnosis of its orientation state and automatically applies the necessary rotation correction to stored images, eliminating the need for external user intervention. The system uses its own resources (sensors, processor) to resolve the orientation issue autonomously.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera operating apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a signal processor for rotating and storing a shot image so that a storage direction of the image shot with the camera rotated 90° or 180° may be a reference storage direction. The shot image is stored in such a way that a storage direction of the image shot with the camera rotated may be the reference storage direction, which provides convenience that a user needs not to rotate the camera to check the shot image when playing the image.