Gestural Zoom Control for One-Handed Imaging Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices, such as handheld cameras and smartphones, face stability issues when users attempt to capture images with one hand, leading to potential blurring due to camera movement, and may not allow for desired adjustments or captures, especially when only one hand is available.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product enables gestural zoom operation by configuring a zoom function based on user-specific data, allowing users to control the zoom level through arm movements, with the imaging device's distance from the user determining the zoom level, using a user-configurable non-linear zoom function that can be customized for sensitivity and smoothness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user holds the imaging device in one hand and uses the other hand to press inputs on the display, then the user can make camera adjustments and capture images, but the stability of the device camera is compromised, potentially resulting in movement and blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input (pressing buttons with fingers) with a gesture-based control system that detects arm movements and translates them into camera operations. The gesture recognition system processes motion data to control zoom and other camera functions, eliminating the need for manual button pressing while maintaining one-handed operation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gesture recognition technology as an intermediary between the user's natural arm movements and the camera control system. This intermediary layer translates physical gestures into digital commands, allowing users to control the camera with arm movements rather than manual button presses, thereby maintaining stability while enabling operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user only has one hand available, then the user may not be able to make desired camera adjustments or capture images as desired, but using both hands compromises stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for two-hand manual operation with a gesture recognition system that enables full camera control using only arm movements. This allows users to operate the camera reliably with one hand while maintaining stability, as the gesture-based interface eliminates the need to hold the device with one hand and press buttons with the other.
3Device complexity
If a linear zoom function is used, then the zoom control is simple, but it may not provide precise control for user-specific gestural ranges and sensitivities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic zoom function that adapts to each user's specific gestural range and sensitivity preferences. The system allows users to configure custom zoom curves that map their natural arm movements to zoom levels, transforming a static linear relationship into a flexible, user-adapted dynamic mapping that enhances precision while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to modify the zoom function parameters to match their personal gestural characteristics. By allowing customization of zoom sensitivity, range, and curve shape, the system transforms a fixed linear zoom function into an adjustable parameter-based control system that achieves both precision and user-specific optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Gestural zoom operation of an imaging device is facilitated by receiving, by one or more processors, zoom configuration data of a user for configuring gestural zoom operation of the imaging device, where the imaging device includes a gestural zoom mode with a zoom function that is user-configurable, and by configuring for the user, by the one or more processors, the gestural zoom operation of the imaging device for the gestural zoom mode. The configuring uses the received zoom configuration data, and includes configuring the zoom function for the user and mapping a selected portion of the configured zoom function to a gestural range of the user of the imaging device.