Image Processing Device Ring Selector for Novice Users

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users, especially novices, find it daunting to select the optimal image processing for a given photographic scene due to the complexity of existing technologies requiring extensive knowledge of various image processing types.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device with a processing change unit that alters the extent of image alteration through first and second image processing, allowing users to easily select and combine different image processing types via a rotary multi-selector, with real-time live view image display for intuitive adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image processing types are provided for selection, then image processing capability and versatility are improved, but operation complexity and difficulty increase for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing selection is segmented into multiple independent image effect types (first image effect, second image effect, third image effect, etc.), each representing a distinct processing category. This segmentation allows the system to provide diverse image processing capabilities while presenting them as discrete, manageable options to users through the ring image display, reducing the perceived complexity despite offering multiple processing types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a radial dimension through the ring image display, where image effects are arranged circumferentially around the captured image. This spatial arrangement in a second dimension (radial direction) allows users to intuitively select and combine multiple image effects by simply rotating or moving along the ring, transforming a potentially complex multi-dimensional selection process into an intuitive rotational gesture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image processing types are provided for selection, then image processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing capabilityVSAvoidmenu structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring image display structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the captured image, presents available image effects, indicates current selection, and enables navigation through rotation. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate menus and controls into a single integrated interface, providing diverse image processing capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the image display function with the image effect selection interface into a single ring image overlay. Instead of requiring users to navigate through separate menus to select image effects, the system combines the preview image and effect options into one unified visual element, reducing structural complexity while maintaining full image processing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed image processing knowledge is required for selection, then processing precision and optimization are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for novice users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing optimizationVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time preview of the captured image with applied image effects directly in the ring image display, allowing users to visually assess the results without needing to understand the technical parameters or processing details. Users can intuitively select optimal image effects by observing the visual output, eliminating the need for detailed image processing knowledge while maintaining processing optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ring image display provides immediate visual feedback showing how different image effects will appear on the captured image. This real-time feedback mechanism allows users to make informed selections based on visual results rather than requiring understanding of processing algorithms, bridging the gap between processing precision and user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3041221B1Image processing device and image processing program
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 NIKON CORP
  • EP3041221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3041221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3041221B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing device includes: an image processing unit that alters an image by executing first image processing and second image processing on the image; and a processing change unit that changes an extent to which the image is altered through the first image processing and an extent to which the image is altered through the second image processing. The processing change unit raises the extent to which the image is altered through the second image processing when the extent to which the image is altered through the first image processing is lowered.