Circular and Rectangular Panorama Display for Intuitive Camera Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for imaging devices struggle to intuitively control the imaging direction based on a panorama image when the imaged object is not rectangular in shape.

Innovation Solution

A control device and camera system that utilize a combination of a camera terminal device, a center server, and a client to generate and display both a circular and a rectangular panorama image, allowing for intuitive control of the imaging direction by specifying a target direction on the panorama image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If control is performed based on a rectangular panorama image, then control can be intuitive when the imaged object is rectangular in shape, but control becomes non-intuitive when the imaged object is not rectangular in shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of controlVSAvoidadaptability to different object shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The panorama image is segmented into multiple types (rectangular and circular) that can be selectively displayed. The control device divides the display area to show both rectangular and circular panorama images simultaneously, allowing users to choose the most appropriate view for the current imaging scenario and object shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single rectangular panorama view to a multi-dimensional display that includes both rectangular and circular panorama images. This dimensional expansion provides users with additional visual reference frames for controlling the imaging direction, making the system adaptable to various object shapes.

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

2Device complexity

If only a rectangular panorama image is displayed, then the display is simple, but the control accuracy decreases when the imaged object has a non-rectangular shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay complexityVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device merges the display of rectangular and circular panorama images in the same display area. This combination provides users with multiple reference frames simultaneously, improving control accuracy for non-rectangular objects while maintaining a relatively simple integrated display interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By adding the circular panorama dimension to the traditional rectangular display, the system enhances control precision without dramatically increasing complexity. The circular view provides accurate angular reference for objects of any shape, complementing the rectangular view.

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

3Ease of operation

If a circular panorama image is added to the display, then control intuitiveness improves for non-rectangular objects, but the display complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol intuitivenessVSAvoiddisplay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is segmented to accommodate both rectangular and circular panorama images. By dividing the display space appropriately, the system presents both views in an organized manner that enhances intuitiveness while managing the complexity through structured layout design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display system is designed to be universal by supporting multiple panorama image types (rectangular and circular) within a single interface. This multi-functional display approach improves control intuitiveness for various object shapes while consolidating functionality rather than requiring separate systems.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3923565B1Control device, camera system, and program
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3923565B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3923565B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3923565B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

According to a control device of the present invention, there is provided a center server including a display processing unit that performs control so as to display a panorama image display area in which a panorama image captured with a camera terminal device is displayed and an enlarged image display area in which an enlarged image is displayed, the enlarged image being obtained by enlarging an area corresponding to a position specified on the panorama image, and a control unit that performs control so as to capture with the camera terminal device an image of the area corresponding to the position specified on the panorama image. The display processing unit displays on the enlarged image display area the image captured with the camera terminal device in accordance with control by the control unit, and the panorama image is a circular panorama image.