Camera Preview Thumbnail Selection for Faster Image Capture Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The delay in displaying preview thumbnails due to complex image processing algorithms prolongs the time interval from shutter button press to final image processing, degrading the image-taking experience.

Innovation Solution

Capture multiple frames of images, optimize them using image processing algorithms, and select one frame as a preview thumbnail while synthesizing the remaining frames to output a final image, thereby reducing the time needed for full image synthesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple image processing algorithms are used to improve image quality, then the quality of captured images is improved, but the time interval from shutter button press to final image processing becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing workflow is segmented into two independent paths: a fast path that generates preview thumbnails using optimized single frames, and a slow path that produces final images using comprehensive multi-frame synthesis. This segmentation allows the system to provide immediate visual feedback while maintaining high-quality final output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary optimization processing on captured frames before they are used for preview thumbnail generation. By pre-optimizing frames and selecting the best candidate in advance, the system reduces the time required for display while maintaining acceptable quality for preview purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive image processing is performed on all frames, then the final image quality is improved, but the preview thumbnail display is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefinal image qualityVSAvoidpreview thumbnail display speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Different quality levels are applied to different output purposes: preview thumbnails use optimized single frames with selective processing for speed, while final images use comprehensive multi-frame synthesis for maximum quality. This local quality differentiation ensures each output meets its specific requirements without unnecessary processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

For preview thumbnails, the system applies partial processing (optimization of selected frames only) rather than complete processing (full multi-frame synthesis). This partial action provides sufficient quality for preview purposes while significantly reducing processing time and enabling faster display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If all captured frames are processed through image algorithms, then the final output quality is maximized, but the time waiting for synthesis is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput image qualityVSAvoidsynthesis duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame processing is segmented into two groups: frames undergo full multi-frame synthesis for final image output, while other frames are optimized individually for preview thumbnail generation. This segmentation parallelizes processing operations and reduces the critical path duration for preview display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary selection of optimal frames and preliminary optimization processing before preview display is needed. By preparing candidate frames and their optimized versions in advance, the system minimizes the synthesis duration required for preview thumbnail generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260059190A1Method to quickly generate preview thumbnail and mobile electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US20260059190A1 patent drawing
  • US20260059190A1 patent drawing
  • US20260059190A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method to quickly generate a preview thumbnail preview thumbnail and a mobile electronic device are provided. The mobile electronic device includes an image capture component, a processing device and a storage device. The method to quickly generate a preview thumbnail includes: the image capture component captures multiple frames of images according to a photographing command; the processing device optimizes the frames of images and transmits the optimized images to a camera application; the camera application selects one frame from the frames of images as a preview thumbnail; and the camera application synthesizes the frames of images to output a final image, and the final image is stored in the storage device.