Camera Parameter Adjustment via Photographer Pupil Size Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photographic devices require manual adjustment of parameters like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO based on experience, which can be time-consuming and may not optimize image quality without professional skills.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that automatically adjust photography parameters by determining the pupil size of the photographer, using image recognition to correlate pupil size with light intensity and adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to optimize image quality in varying lighting conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of photography parameters is used, then the photographer can control image quality based on experience, but it is time-consuming and requires professional skills

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidparameter adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the photographer's own pupil size as a biological sensor to automatically determine lighting conditions and adjust photography parameters. The photographer's pupil naturally constricts or dilates in response to ambient light intensity, providing real-time feedback that the system converts into optimal aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings without requiring manual intervention or professional expertise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of photography parameters with an automated optical-biological system. Instead of manually turning dials or using buttons to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, the system captures an image of the photographer's eye, measures pupil size, and automatically computes the corresponding photography parameters through image processing and pre-established mapping relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of photography parameters is used, then the photographer can adapt to different lighting conditions, but it requires professional expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to lighting conditionsVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages the photographer's own physiological response (pupil size change) as the sensing mechanism. The pupil naturally adapts to different lighting conditions by constricting in bright light and dilating in dim light, and the system simply needs to measure this natural response and translate it into appropriate camera settings, making the complex task of adapting to lighting conditions as simple as looking at the scene

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the photographer's pupil size as an intermediary between the ambient lighting conditions and the camera parameter settings. Instead of directly measuring light intensity with a sensor or requiring the photographer to estimate lighting conditions, the system uses the pupil - a natural biological intermediary that automatically responds to light - to infer the appropriate photography parameters through image processing and mapping relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If automated parameter adjustment is implemented, then operation is simplified, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adjustment simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the camera's image processing system multi-functional by having it perform both its primary function of capturing the photograph and the secondary function of analyzing the photographer's pupil size. The same image sensor and processing unit that capture the main image also capture and analyze a small region containing the photographer's eye, eliminating the need for separate sensing hardware and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy or representation of the photographer's pupil from the captured image data. Instead of requiring physical contact sensors or complex optical measurement devices, the system uses image processing to create a digital model of the pupil size and shape, which can then be measured and converted into photography parameters through software algorithms and pre-established mapping relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3064993B1Method and apparatus for adjusting photography parameters
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3064993B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3064993B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP3064993B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for adjusting photography parameters. The method includes the steps of: determining (101) a pupil size of a photographer using the apparatus; and adjusting (102) the photography parameters of the apparatus according to the pupil size of the photographer. The pupil size of the photographer is determined, and then the photography parameters such as the aperture size of the apparatus may be adjusted automatically according to the pupil size of the photographer. Since a current pupil size is subject to a light intensity in current surroundings, the photography parameters of the apparatus may be adjusted automatically and efficiently, based on the pupil size, as being adapt to the current surroundings through simple operation without necessity of professional skills for a photographer.