Multimodal Camera Mode Selection via Sensor Fusion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital cameras lack user convenience in selecting operation modes, relying solely on the main dial and directional keypad for mode selection, which does not adequately address the need for intuitive and adaptive mode switching based on scene lighting and camera movement.

Innovation Solution

A method and multimodal camera system that senses scene lighting and detects camera movement, using a selector to automatically switch between operation modes such as Panorama, Stereoscopic, Burst, High Dynamic Range, and Super Resolution photography, based on conditions defined by data associated with movement, lighting, and selector input, facilitating enhanced image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional digital cameras use only main dial and directional keypad for mode selection, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive and adaptive mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mode selectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system automatically detects scene lighting conditions and camera movement to select appropriate operation modes without requiring manual intervention from the user. The processor analyzes sensor data and autonomously determines the optimal photography mode, allowing the device to serve itself in mode selection tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical controls (main dial and directional keypad) with an automated electronic system that uses light sensors, movement detection means, and a processor to electronically determine and switch between operation modes, substituting physical manipulation with sensor-based automation.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera provides multiple operation modes based on scene lighting and movement, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different photography conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system integrates multiple functionalities into a unified mode selection process. The same light sensor and movement detection means serve both scene analysis and mode determination purposes, while the processor handles both automatic mode selection and the alternative manual selection through the directional keypad, making the system multi-functional and versatile.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The camera provides dynamic adaptability by continuously monitoring scene lighting and camera movement in real-time, allowing the operation mode to change dynamically based on current conditions. The system can switch between automatic and manual mode selection, and between different photography modes (panorama, stereoscopic, burst, HDR, super resolution) depending on the detected conditions and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless and adaptive selection of photography modes, improving user convenience by automatically adjusting camera settings for optimal image capture based on environmental conditions and user interactions, enhancing the quality and variety of captured images.

Implementation Method 1

sensing scene lighting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

detecting movement of the camera including detection of rotational movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2430496B1A multimodal camera and a method for selecting an operation mode of a camera
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • EP2430496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2430496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2430496B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A multimodal camera and a method for selecting an operation mode of a camera, the method comprising: sensing scene lighting; detecting movement of the camera including detection of rotational movement for Panorama photography; detecting selection of a selector of the camera, the selector being for selecting between a first set of one or more operation modes based on scene lighting and a second set of one or more operation modes based on movement of the camera; and selecting one of the operation modes from the first and second sets of one or more operation modes based on conditions defined by data associated with the movement of the camera, the scene lighting, and the selection of the selector.