Image Capture Device Alignment Data Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer photographers face challenges in reliably capturing time-lapse image sequences due to long durations, camera security, weather protection, and the need to reposition subjects for accurate depiction of changes over time.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with processing capabilities that generates alignment data to assist users in capturing subsequent images at the same location and orientation, using GPS and image comparison techniques to ensure consistent framing and lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is left permanently in position for time-lapse photography, then consistent image positioning and orientation are achieved, but the camera cannot be used for other purposes and may be lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a reference image at the beginning and uses it to generate alignment data for subsequent images. This copying approach allows the camera to be moved and reused while maintaining consistent framing through digital alignment, resolving the contradiction between permanent positioning and camera availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares new images with the reference image, generates alignment data, and uses this feedback to guide repositioning. This feedback mechanism ensures image sequence consistency even when the camera is temporarily moved or reused for other purposes.
2Measurement precision
If manual repositioning is performed for each image capture, then accurate depiction of subject changes is achieved, but user effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical repositioning with automated image processing. By comparing image data and generating alignment information, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining accurate subject change depiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and analysis to establish reference data before subsequent captures. This preliminary action enables automated alignment guidance, reducing the time and effort required for each subsequent image while maintaining precision.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If automated time-lapse capture is used, then long-term monitoring is enabled, but the camera must be left in a fixed location which limits security and weather protection
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the reference image and uses it to guide subsequent captures. This allows the physical camera to be moved indoors or to secure locations while the digital reference maintains the original positioning information, enabling long-term monitoring without continuous environmental exposure.
4Manufacturing precision
If image alignment processing is performed, then consistent framing is achieved, but data processing requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential alignment information from full image data. By comparing key features and generating condensed alignment data, the system achieves consistent framing while minimizing processing requirements and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating an image sequence using an image capture device, the method comprising using image data generated using the device and representative of an existing image of a sequence to assist a user of the device to capture one or more subsequent images for the sequence in order that said existing and the or each subsequent image are captured at substantially the same location and device orientation, and an image capture device operable to assist a user in generating an image sequence.