Camera UI for Depth-Aware Capture and Low-Power Setting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for controlling media capture settings on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring complex user interfaces that consume time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses environmental sensing to dynamically display or hide media capture settings based on depth capture criteria, allowing for efficient switching between media capture settings and zoom levels, and managing recently captured media based on storage criteria, while conserving power by optimizing user interface display and input processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex user interface is used to provide numerous media capture options, then functionality and versatility are improved, but user interaction time and cognitive burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing depth information and analyzing the physical environment before the user needs to take a photo. The depth capture indicator is pre-calculated and displayed based on sensor data, so when the user taps to capture, the system already has the depth information ready to apply the appropriate media capture function without requiring the user to manually adjust settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically determining which media capture function to apply based on the captured depth information and environmental analysis. Instead of requiring the user to manually select from multiple options, the system autonomously decides whether to apply depth-based effects, zoom adjustments, or other media capture functions based on the analyzed physical environment and depth data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex user interface is used to control media capture settings, then functionality is improved, but device power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by continuously monitoring sensor data in the background to update depth information and environmental analysis, rather than requiring continuous user interaction. The depth capture indicator is updated periodically based on sensor changes, allowing the system to prepare media capture settings in advance without consuming continuous power during user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system reduces power consumption by serving itself through automated depth capture and environmental analysis. The sensors continuously monitor the physical environment and automatically determine when depth-based media capture functions should be applied, eliminating the need for the user to manually navigate complex interfaces and reducing overall device power consumption during media capture operations.
3Ease of operation
If depth capture indicator is always displayed, then ease of access to depth-based functions is improved, but user interface complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the depth capture indicator conditional rather than static. The indicator is displayed only when depth capture criteria are met based on real-time sensor analysis of the physical environment. This dynamic display approach ensures that depth-based functions are easily accessible when needed while avoiding unnecessary interface elements when depth capture is not applicable, thus reducing overall user interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of indicator visibility based on captured depth information and environmental analysis. When depth capture criteria are satisfied, the depth capture indicator is displayed to enable access to depth-based functions. When criteria are not met, the indicator is hidden to simplify the user interface. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt the interface to current capture conditions without maintaining constant complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces cognitive burden on users, enhances efficiency in controlling media capture settings, and conserves power by minimizing unnecessary user interface display and processing, thereby extending battery life in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining information about a physical environment that corresponds to a field of view of the one or more cameras based on information from one or more sensors of the computer system
Data Source
AI summary
User interfaces for controlling media capture settings are described, including user interfaces for controlling capture of media with associated depth information (e.g., for applying simulated depth-of-field effects), controlling media capture settings with multiple input types, controlling zoom settings for media capture (e.g., conditionally displaying a secondary preview at a different zoom level), capturing and viewing media using internal and external media storage, and controlling an indicator for level capture guidance.