Electronic Device Image Capture and Temporal Context Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices typically capture still images and videos, but they lack effective methods for capturing and interacting with moments in a way that preserves the context around the instant, requiring significant editing to remove less interesting moments.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of methods and interfaces that allow electronic devices to capture and interact with grouped sequences of images, including a representative image and images before and after the shutter button press, enabling enhanced photo capture and interaction, such as replaying moments and modifying images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a still image is captured by pressing a shutter button, then the instant is frozen, but details of the moment surrounding that instant are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual images captured in rapid succession into a single composite image. This composite image contains both the main captured instant and surrounding contextual moments, resolving the contradiction by combining the precision of instant capture with the richness of contextual information that would otherwise be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the captured moment into multiple temporal components (before, during, and after the shutter press) and organizes them within a single image structure. This segmentation allows the system to preserve detailed information about the surrounding moment while maintaining the precision of the captured instant.
2Loss of information
If video is recorded to capture extended periods of time, then both interesting and not-so-interesting moments are recorded, but significant editing is required to remove the less interesting moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically capturing and organizing multiple images in temporal sequence during the exposure period, rather than requiring post-capture editing. The system pre-processes the moment capture by taking multiple frames and structuring them within a single image, eliminating the need for significant editing later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the relevant interesting moments from the extended capture period and integrates them into the composite image, leaving out the less interesting portions. This extraction process automatically filters content during capture rather than requiring manual editing afterward.
3Loss of information
If multiple images are captured in temporal proximity to preserve moment context, then the moment context is preserved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional by enabling it to capture both single instants and extended moment sequences using the same basic hardware. The composite image format serves multiple purposes: it preserves contextual information, maintains temporal sequencing, and can be displayed or processed as a unified image, reducing the need for specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device displays a representative image. While displaying the representative image, the device detects a first input. In response to the first input, the device transitions from displaying the representative image to displaying a respective image that was acquired by a camera before acquiring the representative image. After transitioning from displaying the representative image to displaying the respective image, the device displays, in sequence starting with the respective image, at least some images acquired by the camera before acquiring the representative image and at least some of images acquired by the camera after acquiring the representative image. The device detects termination of the first input. In response to detecting termination of the first input, the device displays the representative image.