Image Processing Device Orientation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Exif file format's GPSInfoIFD area, which stores GPS measurement information, has inaccuracies in photographing direction due to geomagnetic sensor variability, and screen shot images often lack necessary information for proper reproduction.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device that identifies the orientation and direction of the image processing device using acceleration and geomagnetic sensors, generating accurate Exif files by associating orientation and direction information with image data, even for screen shots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If GPS measurement information is stored in the Exif file format, then location information is preserved, but photographing direction accuracy deteriorates due to geomagnetic sensor variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information preservationVSAvoidphotographing direction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reference parameter for direction measurement from geomagnetic north (which varies) to device orientation relative to the captured image (which is stable). By using acceleration sensor data to determine device orientation and calculating direction as the angle between the optical axis and the upward direction, the system maintains consistent direction values even when geomagnetic conditions vary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If screen shot photographing function is implemented, then image capture capability is expanded, but proper reproduction is compromised due to lack of photographing condition information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoidproper reproduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the Exif file generation mechanism universal by applying the same orientation detection and metadata generation process to both traditional photographing and screen shot photographing. The image processing device uses the same acceleration sensor-based orientation detection for screen shots as it does for regular photos, ensuring that all images receive appropriate orientation and direction information for proper reproduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures accurate generation and reproduction of image files by stabilizing photographing direction information and including necessary metadata, even for screen shots.

Implementation Method 1

identifies the orientation and direction of the image processing device using acceleration and geomagnetic sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

identifies the orientation and direction of the image processing device using acceleration and geomagnetic sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2717563B1Image processing device
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP2717563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2717563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2717563B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When an accepting section 102 accepts an order to acquire image data, an image data acquirer 104 acquires image data from a memory section 130 and compresses it in the JPEG format. An orientation identifier 122 identifies orientation information of an image processing device 10 by using a detection value of an acceleration sensor. A direction identifier 124 identifies the azimuthal angle of a lens optical axis by using a detection value of a geomagnetic sensor and orientation information identified by the orientation identifier 122. If it is determined by the orientation identifier 122 that the image processing device 10 is in a horizontal orientation, the direction identifier 124 identifies the azimuthal angle of the lens optical axis from a predetermined direction in the image processing device 10 and the detection value of the geomagnetic sensor without using the lens optical axis direction.