Camera Storyboard Control for Image Capture Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional digital photography solutions are limited in speed and complexity due to constraints in sending information to cameras, particularly in portable devices, which restricts the ability to capture multiple images efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The use of storyboards, which are sets of control frames that can be passed to a camera driver to initiate and control the capture of multiple images, allowing for dynamic modifications in image capture sequences, including loops and conditional delays, enabling advanced imaging controls such as burst mode and high dynamic range capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional digital photography solutions are used with shutter button control, then the device is simple to operate, but the speed and complexity of image capture operations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storyboard structure allows capture parameters, sequences, and control logic to be predefined and prepared in advance. The system pre-configures multiple image capture operations with their associated timing, parameters, and conditional logic before execution, enabling high-speed automated capture without real-time user intervention or complex runtime processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capture sequence is divided into discrete control frames within a storyboard structure, where each frame represents a specific capture operation or parameter setting. This segmentation allows the system to process and execute individual frames in sequence at high speed, while the overall storyboard provides the organizational framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If traditional sequential image capture is used, then the control process is simple, but the ability to capture multiple images efficiently is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-shot capture efficiencyVSAvoidautomatic capture capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The storyboard structure allows capture parameters, sequences, and control logic to be predefined and prepared in advance. The system pre-configures multiple image capture operations with their associated timing, parameters, and conditional logic before execution, enabling high-speed automated capture without real-time user intervention or complex runtime processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The storyboard execution system incorporates feedback mechanisms where capture results and system state information are monitored and used to dynamically adjust subsequent capture operations. This allows conditional branching, repeat operations based on success criteria, and adaptive parameter modification while maintaining automated execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex imaging controls are implemented, then the functionality is enhanced, but the speed requirements for sending information to the camera increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging control functionalityVSAvoidinformation transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The storyboard structure allows capture parameters, sequences, and control logic to be predefined and prepared in advance. The system pre-configures multiple image capture operations with their associated timing, parameters, and conditional logic before execution, enabling high-speed automated capture without real-time user intervention or complex runtime processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capture sequence is divided into discrete control frames within a storyboard structure, where each frame represents a specific capture operation or parameter setting. This segmentation allows the system to process and execute individual frames in sequence at high speed, while the overall storyboard provides the organizational framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2856748B1Storyboards for capturing images
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2856748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2856748B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2856748B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of tools and techniques for using storyboards in controlling a camera for capturing images, photographs, or video. According to one exemplary technique, at least two storyboards (200) are stored. In addition, at least one storyboard identifier from a camera application is received. Also, using the storyboard identifier, a storyboard (200) of the stored at least two storyboards is retrieved. The retrieved storyboard includes a sequence of control frames (250) for controlling a camera. Additionally, a sequence of image frames is captured at least by controlling a camera using the retrieved storyboard.