Digital Camera Voice and Vision Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cameras require manual operation and specialized training, limiting social photography experiences where multiple individuals want to take or share pictures without direct instruction from the photographer.

Innovation Solution

Integration of speech recognition and computer vision in digital cameras to interpret voice commands and visual cues, allowing automatic image capture based on predefined rules generated by users, including features like face detection and gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is required for camera control, then the photographer has direct control over picture taking, but specialized training is needed and social photography experiences are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera operationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control (buttons, switches, dials) with voice-based control through speech recognition. Users can issue commands like 'take picture of person wearing red shirt' or 'capture when baby smiles' without physically manipulating camera controls, making the device accessible to non-technical users while maintaining sophisticated functionality

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces speech recognition technology as an intermediary between the user's intent and the camera's action. The system acts as a mediator that translates natural language commands into automated photography rules, eliminating the need for users to directly program or manually control the camera while still providing sophisticated control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If automatic picture taking is enabled based on visual features, then collaborative photography is enhanced and unwanted images are reduced, but the camera requires interpretation of voice commands and visual cues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic image captureVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges speech recognition technology with computer vision capabilities in a single integrated system. The camera simultaneously processes voice commands and visual scene analysis, combining audio and visual data streams to make automated photography decisions. This integration allows the system to understand both what the user wants to capture and what is currently visible in the scene

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional system that can perform multiple tasks: speech recognition for command interpretation, computer vision for scene analysis, automatic rule generation for photography control, and image capture. This universal system handles diverse photography scenarios (portraits, events, candid shots) through a single integrated platform rather than requiring separate specialized systems

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If speech commands are used to control the camera, then specialized training is not needed and social photography is enhanced, but the system requires integration of speech recognition and computer vision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex control system into distinct functional modules: speech recognition module for processing voice commands, computer vision module for analyzing visual scenes, rule generation module for creating photography rules, and execution module for capturing images. Each module handles a specific aspect of the control process, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable despite its complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10136043B2Speech and computer vision-based control
Publication Date: 2018.11.20 GOOGLE LLC
  • US10136043B2 patent drawing
  • US10136043B2 patent drawing
  • US10136043B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a digital photography system. The method includes obtaining, by a device, image data and audio data. The method also includes identifying one or more objects in the image data and obtaining a transcription of the audio data. The method also includes controlling a future operation of the device based at least on the one or more objects identified in the image data, and the transcription of the audio data.