Distance Camera Memory Module for Low Vision Image Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low vision devices require users to recapture images when panning or zooming, leading to a cumbersome interface and wastage of computer resources, especially in scenarios like classrooms where users need to review multiple areas of a chalkboard.

Innovation Solution

The method involves capturing multiple images of an area of interest, defining location parameters for each, and storing them in memory, allowing users to cycle through and manipulate these images efficiently without losing access to previous captures, using a processor module, image capture device, and image memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the user recaptures information when moving from portion to portion of the image, then the user can access current information, but additional time is required and significant processor resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation access continuityVSAvoidtime to recapture information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing multiple images of the entire area of interest before the user needs to access specific portions. This allows the user to navigate between different areas without recapturing, as all images are already available in memory for immediate display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If the user recaptures information when moving from portion to portion of the image, then the user can access current information, but significant processor resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation access continuityVSAvoidprocessor resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the device requires recapturing images for panning and zooming, then the interface can access current views, but the interface becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface usabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If multiple images are stored in memory for navigation, then user interaction is enhanced and navigation is seamless, but memory resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation smoothnessVSAvoidmemory resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by storing multiple images at different magnification levels and areas of focus in memory. This allows the user to navigate seamlessly between different portions and magnifications without recapturing, as the relevant images are already available locally in memory for immediate display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8300067B2Distance camera having a memory module

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 ENHANCED VISION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A method is provided for displaying information from a distance on a monitor. By defining an image plane, the inventive system displays an area of focus of the plane on the monitor while storing the image in short-term memory. When the user selects a subsequent area of focus it is stored in short-term memory also, along with the first area of focus. The user is allowed to toggle between the stored images without having to recapture previously viewed information by retaining subsequent areas of focus in short-term memory. The user can discard, or delete, unwanted areas of focus or choose to move them to permanent memory. It is also possible to organize multiple areas of focus into groups or albums or save them individually.