Image Capture Device Contextual Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing devices rely on manual triggering or voice commands, which may not be quick enough or suitable for capturing images of subjects in social situations, especially when the image needs to be taken in a short time span or without adding audio to video recordings.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an image capturing device that uses contextual cues, such as verbal and nonverbal inputs, to automatically record images without manual input, utilizing a microphone and image capture activation detection module to detect readiness of subjects for capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual triggering is used to capture an image, then the user has control over when the image is captured, but the capture may not be quick enough to catch properly posed subjects in social situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects contextual cues (voice commands, gestures, facial expressions) and triggers image capture without requiring manual operation. The device serves itself by autonomously determining when capture conditions are met based on detected contextual signals, eliminating the need for manual triggering while maintaining social appropriateness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical triggering with automated detection systems including microphones for voice commands, gesture recognition cameras, and facial expression analysis. This substitution enables rapid automated response to contextual cues while eliminating the delay inherent in manual operation.
2Productivity
If voice commands are used to trigger image capture, then manual movement is avoided, but audio is added to video recordings or prevents proper posing in selfies
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces multiple intermediary detection methods (gesture recognition, facial expression analysis, alternative voice commands) between the user's intent and the capture trigger. These intermediaries allow the system to detect capture intent through non-audio channels or socially appropriate audio cues that don't interfere with the recording content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from audio-based voice commands to visual-based gesture and facial expression recognition. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effect of audio interference while maintaining accurate detection of capture intent through alternative sensory channels.
3Ease of operation
If fixed delay is used to allow user to be included in captured image, then user positioning time is provided, but the delay does not enable capture of properly posed subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the capture timing based on real-time detection of contextual cues. Instead of a fixed delay, the system continuously monitors for gestures, facial expressions, or voice commands that indicate both user positioning and subject readiness, enabling flexible timing that accommodates both user inclusion and proper subject posing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors (camera, microphone, gesture detection) to continuously monitor the scene and determine when capture conditions are met. This feedback mechanism allows the system to wait for proper posing while maintaining readiness to capture immediately when contextual cues indicate the right moment.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, method, and computer program product provide detecting entry of an image capturing device of the electronic device into an image capture mode. In response to detecting entry, a controller of the electronic device detects, via at least one of: (i) the image capturing device; and (ii) the microphone, a first external input that alerts a subject that an image of the subject is about to be captured by the image capturing device. In response to detecting the first external input, the controller enables the electronic device to monitor for detection by one of: (i) the image capturing device; and (ii) the microphone of a second external input. The second external input is associated with the subject being ready to have an image of the subject captured. In response to detecting the second external input, the controller activates recording of image data via the image capturing device.