Mobile Camera Orientation Detection via Shutter Signal Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile electronic devices face increased hardware costs due to the need for gyro sensors to detect orientation when capturing images, as they typically require separate mechanisms for vertical and horizontal image capture.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with two shutter objects and a processor that detects which shutter object generates a signal to determine the image orientation and stores the image accordingly, allowing for efficient image capture and display based on the device's orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If gyro sensors are used to detect device orientation for image capture, then image capture accuracy is improved, but hardware cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture accuracyVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the orientation detection function from the hardware sensor level and relocates it to the software processing level. By using the existing accelerometer to detect device orientation through signal processing algorithms, the system eliminates the need for separate gyro sensors, thereby reducing hardware cost while maintaining image capture accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based orientation detection system with a software-based signal processing system. Instead of using gyro sensors to directly measure orientation, the system uses software algorithms to process accelerometer signals and determine device orientation, substituting mechanical measurement with computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate mechanisms are used for vertical and horizontal image capture, then image capture functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal image capture mechanism that can handle both vertical and horizontal capture modes through a single system. The camera module, controlled by the processor with orientation detection capabilities, serves multiple functions by adapting to different capture orientations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the image capture system. The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on detected device orientation, switching between vertical and horizontal capture modes as needed. This dynamic behavior allows a single mechanism to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate static systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8648931B2Systems and methods for capturing images of objects

Publication Date: 2014.02.11 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A method for generating an image object, performed by a mobile electronic device, comprises the following steps. The mobile electronic device comprises multiple shutter objects, and each shutter object corresponds to an orientation type. A signal generated by one of the shutter objects is detected. A orientation type is determined according to the shutter object generating the signal. The image object with the determined orientation type is stored.