Multi-Depth Interval Refocusing via Device Posture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refocusing methods can only perform refocusing on a single depth plane, failing to meet user needs for multiple depth planes or intervals, and adding buttons or menus increases memory load without effectively addressing this requirement.

Innovation Solution

A multi-depth-interval refocusing method that allows users to select and refocus on at least two discontinuous depth intervals by acquiring user input, such as through touchscreen gestures or device posture operations, and processes the image to display a refocused image with visually distinguishable definition differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single depth plane refocusing method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability is insufficient to meet user needs for multiple depth planes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefocusing capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension of interaction by utilizing device posture (spatial orientation) to control refocusing. Instead of using traditional 2D touchscreen gestures or button presses, the system maps the 3D spatial posture of the device to select different depth planes for refocusing, thereby expanding the interaction dimension and enabling multi-depth refocusing without complicating the interface

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical interaction methods (buttons, menus, touchscreen gestures) with a posture-based control system. The device's physical orientation in space directly controls the refocusing operation, substituting complex mechanical interfaces with a more intuitive spatial control mechanism that naturally supports multiple depth planes

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If buttons or multi-level menus are added to enable multi-depth refocusing, then the refocusing capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased memory load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefocusing capabilityVSAvoiduser memory load
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the device's own physical properties (posture and orientation) to control the refocusing function. The device serves itself by leveraging its spatial state as the control input, eliminating the need for users to memorize button functions or navigate complex menus. The interaction becomes intuitive and self-explanatory based on the device's physical orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3021206B1Method and device for refocusing multiple depth intervals, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3021206B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3021206B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3021206B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-depth-interval refocusing method, apparatus and electronic device. The method includes: displaying an image on a display device; acquiring user input, and determining, in the displayed image according to the user input, a refocus area including at least two discontinuous depth intervals, where each depth interval in the at least two discontinuous depth intervals is constituted by at least one depth plane, each depth plane contains at least one focus pixel, and depths of object points corresponding to focus pixels contained on the same depth plane are the same; performing refocusing processing on an image within the refocus area to display a refocused image on the display device, where the refocused image has a visually distinguishable definition difference relative to an area, except the refocus area, in the displayed image; and displaying the refocused image on the display device. Therefore, multi-depth-interval refocusing is implemented.