Imaging Apparatus Subject Positioning for Panoramic Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in generating panoramic images with intended compositions, as they need to manually confirm and adjust the start and end positions of the imaging apparatus, leading to potential misalignment of subjects within the image.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with a processor that receives input to identify a subject and generates a panoramic image, ensuring the subject is positioned at a reference point, using an interface and orientation detection to control the imaging operation and assist the user in achieving the desired composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manually confirms and adjusts the start and end positions of the imaging apparatus, then the imaging operation can be performed, but the composition of the panoramic image may not match the user's intention and multiple trial and error operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of panoramic image compositionVSAvoidtime for trial and error imaging operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of positioning and confirming start/end points with an automated image processing system. The processor automatically detects subjects in captured images, determines their positions, and calculates the optimal panoramic image composition without requiring manual intervention for position confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing captured images to identify subjects and determine their positions. The processor autonomously completes the composition planning without user intervention, allowing users to simply capture images while the system handles the complex composition calculations independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the user manually determines the start and end positions based on overlooking the circumference, then the imaging operation can be initiated, but the subject may not be positioned in the intended center position of the panoramic image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of subject positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of position determination process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual measurement and position determination with automated image processing. The processor analyzes image data to automatically detect subject positions and calculate the precise positioning required for the panoramic image, eliminating the need for manual circumference observation and position calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary between the captured images and the final panoramic composition. It automatically identifies subjects, determines their positions relative to the imaging apparatus orientation, and calculates the optimal composition parameters, serving as a mediator that translates raw image data into precisely composed panoramic images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple trial and error imaging operations are performed to achieve the desired composition, then the user can attempt to position the subject correctly, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of panoramic image compositionVSAvoidproductivity of panoramic image generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by automatically analyzing captured images and pre-calculating the optimal panoramic composition before the user even initiates the panoramic imaging operation. The processor identifies subjects and determines their positions in advance, allowing the system to automatically adjust the panoramic image parameters to achieve the desired composition in a single operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from analyzing the captured images to automatically determine the optimal panoramic composition. By processing the actual image data and subject positions, the system receives feedback about what is present in the scene and automatically adjusts the panoramic parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for trial and error operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11159720B2Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and program

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus, including an image sensor, a display, and circuitry is provided. The circuitry is configured to control the display to display a user interface that includes an imaging range setting item for setting a reference position. The reference position indicates a reference angle of a swing operation during capturing a plurality of images by the image sensor for generating a panoramic image.