Mobile Terminal Automatic Panoramic Direction Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of mobile terminals with camera modules must pre-set the photographing direction to capture panoramic images, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A method and mobile terminal that automatically set the photographing direction by comparing pixel brightness values of reference and comparison blocks in successive frames, eliminating the need for user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user pre-sets the photographing direction to capture panoramic images, then the panoramic image can be captured with a wider field of view, but the user operation becomes more complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoiduser operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the photographing direction by comparing pixel brightness values between successive frames without requiring user input. The control unit autonomously processes the comparison and sets the photographing direction, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user configuration for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the camera unit's captured frames to automatically adjust and determine the photographing direction. By continuously comparing pixel brightness values between successive frames and using this feedback, the system dynamically sets the optimal photographing direction without prior user specification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the system automatically determines photographing direction through block matching, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing is divided into segments by dividing the image into blocks and comparing specific pixel brightness values between frames. This segmentation approach simplifies the complex task of automatic direction determination into manageable comparisons, making the system more approachable despite the underlying complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical user input with an automated digital image processing system. Instead of requiring users to physically adjust or input direction parameters, the system uses computational methods (comparing pixel brightness values) to automatically determine the photographing direction, substituting mechanical user operation with digital automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8411133B2Mobile terminal and panoramic photographing method for the same

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A mobile terminal and panoramic photographing method for the same are provided. The panoramic photographing method includes displaying a preview image upon selection of a panoramic mode, successively capturing a first partial image and second partial image in response to input of a shooting start signal, setting a photographing direction through a comparison between the first partial image and second partial image, and producing a panoramic image in the set photographing direction. As a result, the user does not have to set the photographing direction to capture a panoramic image using a mobile terminal.