Image-Capturing Device Virtual Pan-Tilt via Digital Cutout

Solution Overview

Problem

Capturing moving images such as pan or tilt images typically requires specialized equipment, which is not always necessary or convenient for users.

Innovation Solution

An image-capturing device that includes an image-capturing unit and a controller, which generates and records second moving image data by cutting out a part of the entire image area, allowing users to change the position and size of the cutout area according to their instructions, effectively simulating panning or tilting without the need for specialized equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If specialized equipment is used for panning or tilting the image-capturing device, then moving images such as pan images or tilt images can be captured, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the panning/tilting effect by processing image data electronically. Instead of physically moving the camera, the controller generates cutout images from captured still images to simulate the appearance of panning or tilting, thereby achieving the desired moving image effect without specialized mechanical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical panning or tilting system with an electronic image processing system. The controller calculates and generates cutout images based on predetermined pan/tilt information, substituting the need for physical camera movement with digital image manipulation to achieve the same visual effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the image-capturing device is moved to capture pan or tilt images, then moving image data can be obtained, but image blur occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the panning/tilting effect by processing image data electronically. Instead of physically moving the camera, the controller generates cutout images from captured still images to simulate the appearance of panning or tilting, thereby achieving the desired moving image effect without specialized mechanical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical panning or tilting system with an electronic image processing system. The controller calculates and generates cutout images based on predetermined pan/tilt information, substituting the need for physical camera movement with digital image manipulation to achieve the same visual effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If specialized equipment is used for panning or tilting, then pan images or tilt images can be captured, but user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a standard image-capturing device to perform multiple functions: capturing still images and generating virtual pan/tilt moving images from those still images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining ease of operation through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The image-capturing device performs self-service by automatically generating pan/tilt moving images from captured still images using its own processing capabilities. The controller internally calculates cutout images based on pan/tilt information without requiring external specialized equipment or complex manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9830947B2Image-capturing device

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An image-capturing device according to the present disclosure includes: an image-capturing unit that captures a moving image and generates first moving image data; and a controller that generates second moving image data based on a cutout area obtained by cutting out a part of an entire area of a moving image indicated by the first moving image data and records the generated second moving image data on a recording medium. The controller changes at least one of a position and a size of the cutout area according to a predetermined instruction of a user and records resultant image data on the recording medium.