Motion State Camera Image Acquisition Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ubiquitous, lightweight cameras often suffer from increased motion during image capture, leading to poor image quality, and existing solutions like gyroscopes and counterbalance systems are expensive and complex.

Innovation Solution

A motion state system that analyzes camera motion data to provide feedback to the user on optimal capture times or automatically takes pictures when the camera is stable, using accelerometers and gyroscopes to differentiate between voluntary and involuntary motion types, and adjust feedback accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex stabilization systems (gyroscopes, counterbalance systems, floating lenses) are used, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors motion data from accelerometers and gyroscopes, provides real-time feedback to the user about camera stability, and automatically triggers image capture when optimal conditions are detected. This feedback loop enables simple cameras to achieve better image quality by timing captures during stable moments without requiring complex continuous stabilization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The camera system uses its own motion sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes already present in mobile devices) to self-diagnose stability conditions and make autonomous decisions about when to capture images. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external complex stabilization systems by leveraging the device's inherent sensing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If complex stabilization systems (gyroscopes, counterbalance systems) are used, then image quality is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using expensive physical stabilization mechanisms, the system creates a virtual model of camera motion using software algorithms that process data from inexpensive accelerometers and gyroscopes. This software-based approach replicates the function of complex mechanical stabilization systems at a fraction of the cost, maintaining image quality while dramatically reducing manufacturing expenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical stabilization systems (gyroscopes, counterbalance mechanisms, floating lenses) with a software-based motion analysis system that uses data from standard accelerometers and gyroscopes already present in mobile devices. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive mechanical components while achieving similar image quality outcomes through intelligent timing and motion compensation algorithms.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If motion data analysis is used to determine capture timing, then image quality is improved, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously pre-processes motion data from accelerometers and gyroscopes in the background, maintaining a ready state that allows immediate determination of capture timing. By preparing motion analysis in advance and keeping the system in a standby mode, the camera can quickly identify optimal capture moments without significant processing delays when the user is ready to take a picture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8064759B1Method and apparatus for motion-state based image acquisition
Publication Date: 2011.11.22 DP TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US8064759B1 patent drawing
  • US8064759B1 patent drawing
  • US8064759B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method comprising receiving an indication from a user that the user wishes to take a picture. The method further comprising receiving motion data for a camera device and analyzing the motion data to determine a motion state of the camera. The method further comprising acting based on the motion data. In one embodiment, acting on the motion data comprises providing feedback to the user regarding a time to take a photo, based on the motion data. In one embodiment, acting on the motion data comprises automatically taking a picture when the motion state is at a particular level. In one embodiment, acting on the motion data comprises automatically taking a picture when the camera is at a correct angle as determined by the motion data.