Image Capturing Device Automatic Still Picture Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image capturing devices cannot simultaneously capture moving pictures and automatically extract appropriate still pictures, especially when the difference between moving pictures is minor.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing device is designed with an imaging unit, attribute information generation unit, evaluation unit, still picture extraction unit, and threshold value change unit to calculate evaluation values based on attribute information, extracting still pictures when the evaluation value exceeds a threshold and adjusting the threshold based on person information and composition change amounts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automatic still picture extraction is implemented during video capture, then still picture extraction capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic still picture extractionVSAvoidprocessing unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit is divided into multiple specialized components: attribute information generation unit, evaluation unit, still picture extraction unit, and threshold value change unit. Each component handles a specific aspect of the automatic extraction process, making the overall complex system manageable and functional through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Attribute information about the video content is generated and evaluated in advance during the video capture process. This preliminary analysis allows the system to identify suitable still picture candidates before final extraction decisions are made, enabling automated operation without real-time complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If still pictures are extracted frequently from video, then still picture quantity is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of still picturesVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically evaluates video frames using attribute information and extraction criteria, extracting still pictures at intervals determined by threshold comparisons rather than continuously. This periodic operation balances output quantity with processing time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The threshold value for still picture extraction is dynamically changed based on attribute information analysis. By adjusting this parameter, the system controls extraction frequency to achieve appropriate still picture quantity while managing processing time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If extraction threshold is kept constant, then extraction consistency is improved, but adaptability to different scenes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction threshold consistencyVSAvoidscene adaptation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction threshold is transformed from a static constant value to a dynamic parameter that changes based on attribute information about the video content. This allows the threshold to adapt to different scenes, objects, and conditions while maintaining systematic control over the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses attribute information about video content as feedback to adjust the extraction threshold. This feedback mechanism enables the threshold to adapt to varying scene characteristics, improving versatility while maintaining consistent extraction logic based on evaluated criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8681239B2Image capturing device, image capturing method, program, and integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

A camcorder (100), which is an example of image capturing devices, includes the following units. An imaging unit (110) captures moving pictures. An attribute information generation unit (120) generates attribute information indicating features of the moving pictures captured by the imaging unit (110). An evaluation unit (130) applies the attribute information generated by the attribute information generation unit (120) to a predetermined criterion, so as to calculate an evaluation value of the moving pictures for each predetermined time width. A still picture extraction unit (140) extracts a still picture from moving pictures in a predetermined time width, when the evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit (130) for the predetermined time width exceeds an evaluation threshold value. A threshold value change unit (150) changes the evaluation threshold value based on at least one of person information and a composition change amount which are included in the attribute information. The person information is used for specifying a person captured in the moving pictures, and the composition change amount is an amount of change in image compositions between the moving pictures.