Image Cropping with Virtual Camera Depth Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image cropping applications fail to address distortion caused by viewing angles, resulting in inconvenient or uncomfortable viewing experiences, especially when cropping images containing text or other useful information.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with a touch screen and an image processing unit that includes a space mapping module and an image cropping module, allowing users to define and adjust control points within an image space to crop and update sub-images, thereby correcting distortions and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional image cropping applications are used to crop images taken from non-front view angles, then the cropping operation can be performed, but the distortion caused by the viewing angle is reflected in the cropped sub-image resulting in inconvenient or uncomfortable viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding depth adjustment capability to the traditional 2D cropping interface. Users can manipulate a virtual camera model along the Z-axis (depth direction) to correct perspective distortion, transforming the cropping operation from purely 2D plane selection to 3D spatial manipulation. This allows the virtual camera to move closer to or farther from the subject, effectively correcting trapezoidal distortion and restoring accurate object shapes in the cropped image.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position and size of the cropping frame are designated by user, then the cropping operation can be customized, but the shape distortion caused by viewing angle cannot be solved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the cropping tool's functionality by integrating multiple operations into a single unified interface. The virtual camera model serves multiple purposes: it defines the cropping region boundaries, controls the depth of field, and simultaneously corrects perspective distortion through depth adjustment. This multi-functional approach allows users to achieve both customization and shape accuracy without needing separate tools or complex post-processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual camera model acts as an intermediary between the user's cropping intent and the final image output. Rather than directly manipulating pixel coordinates, users interact with the virtual camera's position and orientation, which then automatically calculates and applies the appropriate perspective correction and cropping transformation. This intermediary layer simplifies the user interface while maintaining precise control over both cropping parameters and distortion correction.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an image cropping manipulation method for use in a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device comprises a touch screen and an image processing unit. The method comprises: displaying a sub-image on the touch screen, the sub-image is cropped from a digital image; receiving a user input from the touch screen; in response to the user input, map the user input to an operation on the digital image; and performing the operation to update the sub-image.