Camera Zoom Control via Center-Point Area Definition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera adjustment methods in digital cameras, such as pan/tilt/zoom systems, often fail to accurately zoom in on an object of interest due to the likelihood of including too little or too much of the object within the drawn frame, requiring repeated attempts and lacking feedback on the region of interest.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to specify a center point and define a perimeter for the area of interest with the same aspect ratio as the original image, enabling precise control over the zoomed image, including the option to extend the perimeter outside the original image for better visibility and intuitive zooming in/out operations without separate controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rectangle is drawn by placing the pointer at opposite corners to define the area of interest, then the camera can be automatically positioned and zoomed, but the likelihood of optimally including the object of interest within the drawn frame is rather low
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the user draw a rectangle from corner to corner (PSP to PEP), the system inverts the approach by having the user specify the center point first, then define the area by dragging from that center point. This inversion allows the object of interest to be precisely centered while the user intuitively defines the desired zoom area, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying a rectangle that represents the area of interest as the user drags the pointer. This feedback mechanism allows the user to see exactly what area will be zoomed, enabling them to adjust their selection to optimally include the object of interest. The feedback loop continues until the user is satisfied with the selected area, thereby improving precision without compromising ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the user draws a rectangle to define the area of interest, then the camera can be adjusted, but often too little or too much of the object of interest is displayed, causing the user to repeat the drawing process several times
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the interaction model from corner-based rectangle drawing to center-point-based area definition, the system enables users to more accurately specify the desired zoom area in a single attempt. The center point ensures the object is properly centered, while the drag operation intuitively defines the area extent, significantly reducing the need for repeated attempts and improving overall productivity.
3Extent of automation
If the rectangle is drawn with PSP and PEP in two opposite corners, then the camera can be automatically positioned, but there is no feedback to the user on the region of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses the information loss by providing continuous visual feedback during the area definition process. As the user drags the pointer from the center point, a rectangle is displayed showing the current area of interest. This feedback mechanism maintains full automation of camera positioning while simultaneously informing the user of the selected region, eliminating the information loss without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting a digital camera. The invention also relates to a corresponding device and a corresponding computer program. An original image recorded by the camera is received. The original image has an original aspect ratio. A first user input defining a center point of an area of interest within the original image is received. A second user input defining a perimeter for the area of interest of the original image is received. The perimeter for the area of interest has the same aspect ratio as the original aspect ratio. The camera view is adjusted based on the first user input and the second user input to provide a zoomed image of the defined area of interest. The zoomed image is centered on the center point defined by the first user input. Finally, the zoomed image is displayed to the user on a display screen.