Dynamic Region of Interest Adaptation for Image Capture Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capture devices require users to manually reset the region of interest (ROI) or capture an image to revert to the default ROI, which can lead to delays in capturing dynamic scenes due to changing conditions, resulting in missed opportunities.

Innovation Solution

An image capture device with a touch-sensitive display that allows users to dynamically set and reset ROIs using drag gestures, automatically switching between user-defined and default ROIs based on detected changes in the scene or user input, ensuring seamless adaptation to changing imaging conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual menu navigation is used to reset ROI, then precise control over ROI settings is achieved, but time delay increases and capture speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveROI control convenienceVSAvoidTime delay in capturing dynamic scenes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects scene changes and autonomously resets the ROI to default settings without requiring manual user intervention. The processor monitors imaging conditions and triggers automatic ROI adjustment when changes are detected, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-sets default ROI configurations that are automatically activated when scene changes are detected. By having predetermined ROI settings ready in advance and automatically switching between user-defined and default ROIs, the system eliminates the time required for manual menu navigation and ROI reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If user-defined ROI is maintained continuously, then precise focus and exposure control is achieved, but adaptability to changing scene conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFocus and exposure metering precisionVSAvoidAdaptability to changing scene conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between user-defined ROI and default ROI based on real-time scene conditions. When the processor detects that imaging conditions have changed (such as subject movement or lighting changes), it automatically transitions from the user-defined ROI to the default ROI, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors scene changes and uses this feedback to determine when to switch between ROI configurations. The processor analyzes changes in the captured scene and triggers automatic ROI resetting when predefined change thresholds are exceeded, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automatic ROI resetting is implemented, then capture speed and responsiveness improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveImage capture efficiencyVSAvoidSystem complexity for automatic detection and switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical interaction (menu navigation and button pressing) with automated electronic detection and control. The processor electronically monitors scene changes and automatically triggers ROI resetting, substituting the mechanical user interaction sequence with an electronic automated system that detects and responds to scene changes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3672227B1Dynamic region of interest adaptation and image capture device providing same
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3672227B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3672227B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3672227B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method of dynamic region of interest adaptation and image capture device providing same. In one embodiment, there is a method of operating an image capture device. One or more regions within a real-time image may be used to set one or more user-defined regions of interest (ROIs) within the real-time image for applying one or more first image acquisition parameters. The one or more user-defined ROIs are cancelled and one or more default ROIs within the real-time image for applying one or more second image acquisition parameters are set when a position of the image capture device has changed by an amount which exceeds a threshold amount. Digital image data is acquired by the digital image sensor in accordance with one of the one or more user-defined ROIs and the one or more default ROIs.