Eyes-Free Image Capture Using Haptic and Audio Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of digital devices struggle to capture photographs and videos of live events without constantly looking at the device screen, detracting from their experience and enjoyment of the moment.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application that utilizes embedded sensors like GPS, compass, and accelerometer to enable eyes-free photo and video capture by providing feedback mechanisms such as vibration and audio cues to help users orient their device's camera lens correctly towards the target event, allowing them to capture images without continuous screen monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users continuously monitor the device screen to capture photographs and videos, then image capture accuracy is improved, but user immersion in the live event deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides audio feedback (voice prompts indicating proper orientation) and haptic feedback (vibration patterns indicating focus status) to guide users in capturing images without requiring visual monitoring of the screen. This allows users to maintain immersion in the live event while receiving real-time feedback to ensure accurate image capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional visual feedback mechanism (screen display) with auditory and haptic feedback mechanisms. The audio output device provides voice guidance, and the vibration mechanism provides tactile feedback, substituting the mechanical/visual interaction with sensory-based feedback that does not require screen attention.
2Ease of operation
If users focus on the live event without looking at the screen, then user experience is improved, but camera orientation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the device's own sensors (accelerometer, GPS, compass) to automatically determine orientation and provide guidance, making the system self-correcting without requiring user visual attention. The feedback mechanisms guide users to proper orientation through audio and haptic cues, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining orientation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time audio and haptic feedback loops continuously guide users toward proper camera orientation. The system monitors sensor data and provides corrective feedback until the desired orientation is achieved, maintaining precision without requiring visual screen monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If traditional screen-based focus and aiming is used, then camera orientation accuracy is improved, but user engagement with the event deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the visual screen-based aiming interface with auditory and haptic feedback systems. Voice prompts guide users through focusing and aiming, while vibration patterns indicate when proper orientation is achieved, replacing the mechanical act of visually aligning with the screen with sensory-based guidance that preserves event engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensor data is continuously monitored and translated into audio and haptic signals that guide users to proper orientation. This feedback mechanism maintains orientation accuracy while eliminating the need for visual screen monitoring, thereby preserving user engagement with the live event.
Data Source
AI summary
A client device for image capture in an eyes-free manner or without ongoing observance of the device's display screen to ensure proper framing and focusing. The client device may take the form of a smartphone, tablet, or the like. The client device includes an image capture application run by a processor to select a target to be included in a digital image captured by the client device's camera. The image capture application causes the processor to operate feedback mechanisms to prompt an operator of the client device to move the device so as to move the camera or its lens, before or during the capturing of the digital image, from a first orientation to a second orientation relative to the target. The image capture application urges the operator of the client device to hold their client device so as to better frame or focus on the selected target.