Mobile Device Gesture Recognition for Seamless Camera Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital camera systems, particularly mobile devices, are user-unfriendly for taking selfies or group photos, as they require separate equipment or cumbersome timer setups, lacking a seamless remote operation method.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device equipped with transmit and receive path circuitry, a digital camera, memory for application programs, and processing circuitry to analyze a live video stream and detect gestures, allowing for automated camera operations such as taking pictures or launching applications based on detected hand gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user takes a selfie by extending arm outward or using a selfie stick, then the user can capture self-portraits, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires physical effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of taking selfiesVSAvoidneed for selfie stick or extended arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically extending the arm or using a selfie stick with an optical recognition system. The camera captures images and the processor automatically detects face positions and determines shooting parameters, eliminating the need for manual positioning efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera system performs self-positioning and self-adjustment by automatically detecting faces in the scene and determining optimal shooting parameters. The system serves itself by autonomously calculating distance, angle, and composition without requiring the user to manually adjust the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a user uses a timer or remote control function to take distance pictures, then the user can capture group photos, but the user must rush into position and freeze until the timer goes off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of taking group photosVSAvoidtime to prepare and freeze for picture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the timer-based mechanical waiting system with real-time optical detection. The camera continuously captures images and the processor automatically identifies face positions and determines shooting parameters in real-time, eliminating the need for users to wait and freeze in position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs periodic image capture and continuous analysis of face positions, automatically determining optimal shooting moments based on detected face arrangements rather than relying on fixed timer intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If a remote control device is used to allow users to prepare for pictures, then the shooting can be remotely controlled, but an additional separate equipment is required that may get lost or break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidneed for separate remote controller
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the remote control functionality into the camera device itself. The camera's image capture and processing capabilities are used directly to detect gestures and control shooting operations, eliminating the need for a separate remote controller device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera system performs multiple functions: it captures images for the intended purpose, simultaneously detects user gestures through continuous image analysis, and uses this gesture detection to control shooting operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated remote control equipment.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3139591B1Apparatus and method for operating a mobile device using motion gestures
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3139591B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3139591B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3139591B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An electronic device is responsive to hand gestures or hand motions detected by a camera. The electronic device comprises a processor configured to generate an image by using a camera module connected to the processor, detect a predetermined shape in the generated image, and perform an operation corresponding to the detected predetermined shape, such as taking a picture of the image or playing music.