Orientation-Based User Interface for Action Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small form factor action cameras face challenges with diminished real estate for interactive touch screens and limited battery life, making it difficult to utilize full functionality and conserve power while enabling image capture mode settings and wireless connectivity.

Innovation Solution

An orientation-based user interface that utilizes an imaging sensor, orientation sensor, wireless network interface, and processing apparatus to determine device orientation and enable corresponding functionalities, such as power management and wireless connectivity, allowing for intuitive operation and power conservation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a smaller form factor design is used for the action camera, then the device becomes more convenient for the wearer, but the real estate available for interactive touch screen user interfaces is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiduser interface real estate

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch screen interface with an orientation-based control system. The orientation sensor detects device orientation and automatically triggers corresponding functions, eliminating the need for physical touch screen interactions. This substitution allows the small form factor device to maintain full functionality without requiring large display real estate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wireless network interface is continuously enabled for connectivity, then full functionality is available, but battery power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connectivityVSAvoidbattery power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by enabling the wireless network interface only when needed based on detected device orientation. The system continuously monitors orientation and temporarily activates wireless connectivity when the device is held in the sharing orientation, then deactivates it when not needed. This periodic activation maintains full functionality while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the orientation sensor operates continuously to enable functionality, then user interaction is intuitive, but battery power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitive user interactionVSAvoidbattery power

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the orientation sensor system to autonomously determine device orientation and automatically trigger corresponding functions without requiring continuous user input or intervention. The system monitors orientation and self-manages functionality activation, providing intuitive operation while consuming minimal power by only processing orientation data when relevant state changes occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 full functionality of small form factor image capture devices by associating device orientation with specific features and settings, conserving battery power and simplifying user interaction, while maintaining power efficiency and intuitive use.

Implementation Method 1

determination of orientation of the image capture device via use of the orientation sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

determination of orientation of the image capture device via use of the orientation sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS10554885B2Methods and apparatus for implementation of an orientation-based user interface

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 GOPRO INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for the implementation of an orientation-based user interface. In one embodiment, a method for implementing an orientation-based user interface is disclosed. The method includes determining an orientation of an image capture device via use of an orientation sensor; associating the determining of the orientation with functionality for the image capture device; and enabling the functionality for the image capture device associated with the determining of the orientation. Image capture devices, computing systems, computer-readable apparatus and systems for the purposes of implementing orientation-based user interfaces are also disclosed.