Handheld Game Console Camera Integration for 3D Character Face Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems for creating three-dimensional computer images are complex and not user-friendly, especially for beginners and children, as they require separate and independently manufactured imaging devices and personal computers that do not interface well, lacking an entertaining and intuitive interface.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system comprising a hand-held game machine with a camera and a fixed-type television game apparatus that can interface, allowing users to photograph face images and attach them to pre-prepared three-dimensional models, with features for adjusting colors and adding animations, enabling easy image composition and entertainment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate independently manufactured imaging apparatus and personal computer are used, then device functionality is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the imaging apparatus and personal computer into an integrated system where the camera unit is physically connected to and coordinated with the computer unit. This merging allows the system to function as a unified entity while reducing the complexity that arises from interfacing separate devices. The integrated design enables automatic data transfer and coordinated operation, eliminating the need for users to manually connect and coordinate independent devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a standalone imaging device and an integrated component of a larger image processing system. The camera unit can capture images independently and also seamlessly integrate with the computer unit for advanced processing, storage, and manipulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate independently manufactured imaging apparatus and personal computer are used, then device functionality is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the imaging apparatus and personal computer into an integrated system, the patent eliminates the operational difficulties of coordinating separate devices. The unified design allows users to operate a single system rather than managing multiple independent devices, significantly improving ease of operation. The integrated architecture enables automatic data flow and coordinated control, reducing the operational burden on users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system performs many operations automatically without requiring user intervention. Image data captured by the camera unit is automatically transferred to and processed by the computer unit. The system self-manages data flow, coordination, and basic processing tasks, freeing users from complex manual operations and making the system more user-friendly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If imaging apparatus and personal computer do not interface, then device independence is maintained, but productivity and entertainment value decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidimage processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the imaging apparatus and personal computer into an integrated system that maintains the functional independence of each component while enabling seamless collaboration. The camera unit and computer unit remain distinct functional modules but are connected through standardized interfaces that allow efficient data exchange and coordinated operation, thereby improving productivity without compromising device independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex image processing functions are included, then functionality is enhanced, but ease of operation for beginners and children decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing capabilityVSAvoidbeginner-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs complex image processing operations automatically without requiring users to understand or configure the underlying complexity. Advanced processing functions such as image enhancement, manipulation, and analysis are executed automatically by the integrated system, allowing beginners and children to benefit from sophisticated capabilities without needing to learn complex operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By combining the imaging and processing functions into an integrated system, the patent simplifies the user interface and operational workflow. Users interact with a unified system rather than coordinating separate devices, and complex processing functions are automatically activated and managed by the system, making advanced capabilities accessible to users of all skill levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7713129B2Image processing system
Publication Date: 2010.05.11 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • US7713129B2 patent drawing
  • US7713129B2 patent drawing
  • US7713129B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image processing system includes a fixed-type game machine and a hand-held type game machine. To the hand-held type game machine, an imaging cartridge is attached, and therefore, when an operator photographs a face image of a desired object, for example, face image data corresponding thereto is produced. In addition, by operating an operating switch of the hand-held type game machine, the operator can input feature data representing a feature of the object. The hand-held type game machine transmits the face image data and the feature data to the fixed-type game machine. The fixed-type game machine deforms provisional three-dimensional character data selected by the operator based on the feature data, and attaches the face image data to the deformed provisional three-dimensional feature data so as to compose an image. A composed image is displayed on an image display device by an animation based on the feature data.