Focal Length Determination via Visual Overlay Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately determining the focal length of digital photographs is challenging when it is unknown, as existing methods rely on user guesswork and trial-and-error processes, which are inefficient and lack precision.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface is used to allow users to intuitively manipulate image content to match distortions caused by fisheye or rectilinear lenses, with the system automatically determining the focal length based on user input, employing stereographic or perspective projection models to model the lens and adjust the focal length accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trial-and-error approach is used to determine focal length, then user can eventually obtain acceptable result, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays a visual representation of the photograph with overlay graphics (such as straight lines or geometric shapes) that automatically adjust based on the current focal length hypothesis. The user provides feedback by manipulating controls to align these graphics with actual features in the photograph, and the system continuously updates the focal length calculation in real-time, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary visual elements (overlay graphics, reference lines, or geometric shapes) that mediate between the user and the focal length parameter. Instead of directly manipulating numerical focal length values, the user interacts with these visual intermediaries that automatically translate their positioning into accurate focal length determination, significantly reducing time consumption.
2Measurement precision
If trial-and-error approach is used to determine focal length, then user can eventually obtain acceptable result, but operational complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback by displaying overlay graphics that respond in real-time to user input. As the user manipulates controls to align graphics with photograph features, the system continuously updates the focal length calculation and repositions the graphics, creating an intuitive feedback loop that simplifies the operation while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual intermediary elements (such as overlay graphics, reference lines, or geometric shapes) that serve as mediators between the user and the complex focal length calculation. The user simply needs to position these visual elements to match photograph features, while the system handles the complex mathematical computations automatically, greatly easing the operational burden.
3Measurement precision
If direct numerical input is required for focal length, then precision can be maintained, but ease of operation and intuitiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual intermediary elements (overlay graphics, reference lines, or geometric shapes) that mediate between the user and the focal length parameter. Instead of requiring direct numerical input, the user positions these visual intermediaries to align with features in the photograph, and the system automatically calculates the precise focal length from their position, combining intuitive operation with measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/numerical input system (direct numerical entry of focal length values) with a visual graphical interface system. Users interact with visual elements on the screen using mouse or touch input, and the system translates these visual interactions into precise focal length calculations, making the interface more intuitive while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for determining focal lengths of photographs. Image content is displayed in a graphical user interface. The image content is derived from a photograph taken with a lens having a focal length. The focal length is unknown when the image content is initially displayed. A user interface control is displayed in the graphical user interface. The user interface control is displayed on or proximate to the image content. User input comprising a change in position of the user interface control is received. The focal length is determined based on the change in position of the user interface control.