Image Capture Aid with Perceptual Interest Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image capture methods, such as direct observation through a viewfinder, struggle to ensure correct framing, especially during rapid movements or complex scenes with multiple regions of interest, and existing solutions like return channels and oculometric tests are either non-instantaneous or time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A device that calculates perceptual interest values for each pixel or pixel block of an image and overlays graphic indicators on the viewfinder to help the cameraman position the camera correctly, using spatial and temporal modeling to identify regions of high interest and display them as graphic markers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct observation via viewfinder is used, then the cameraman can see the scene, but correct framing is not ensured especially during rapid movement or complex scenes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframing accuracyVSAvoidoperational difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces graphic indicators as an intermediary visual aid between the scene and the cameraman's viewfinder. These indicators (such as frames, circles, or highlighted regions) are overlaid on the viewfinder display to guide the cameraman's framing, serving as a mediator that translates complex scene analysis into simple visual cues for correct composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical process of manual framing adjustment with an automated computational system. Image processing algorithms automatically analyze the scene, identify regions of interest, and generate graphic indicators, substituting the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated electronic guidance system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If return channel is used to inform framing issues, then feedback is provided, but the feedback is not instantaneous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframing feedback reliabilityVSAvoidfeedback delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a real-time feedback system where graphic indicators are continuously updated based on ongoing image analysis. The system provides immediate visual feedback to the cameraman through the viewfinder, showing which regions should be framed and how adjustments should be made, eliminating the delay inherent in traditional return channel communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the scene to pre-identify regions of interest and generate appropriate graphic indicators before the cameraman needs to make framing adjustments. This anticipatory processing ensures that framing guidance is ready immediately when needed, eliminating feedback delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If oculometric tests are used to determine framing, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but the tests are difficult and time-consuming to set up and analyze

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframing analysis accuracyVSAvoidtest setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated self-analysis of images using computer vision algorithms to identify regions of interest and generate graphic indicators. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external oculometric testing panels and manual analysis, achieving comprehensive framing analysis automatically without human intervention in the analysis process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex human-based oculometric testing system with an automated electronic image processing system. Computer algorithms automatically perform the analysis that previously required human observers, eliminating the need for panel arrangement, data collection, and manual analysis phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2232331B1Device for helping the capture of images
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS
  • EP2232331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2232331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2232331B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for helping the capture of images (1) comprising: analysis means (20) suitable to calculate perceptual interest data for regions of an image having to be captured, display means (30) suitable to overlay on the image at least one graphic indicator indicating the position of at least one region of interest in the image. The invention also relates to an image capture device comprising the device for helping the capture of images (1) according to the invention.