Photographic Image Optimization Using GPS and Solar Angle Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies fail to effectively optimize the contrast, color saturation, and color temperature of photographs taken outdoors, primarily due to the variability in natural sunlight conditions, which significantly impact the quality of images.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing GPS data to determine the position and orientation of both the photographic object and camera, combined with solar angle calculations, to evaluate and optimize lighting conditions, thereby adjusting camera settings for improved image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If camera settings are manually adjusted to optimize photographic properties, then image quality can be improved, but the complexity of operation increases and requires expert knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines optimal camera settings by analyzing weather data, sun position, and lighting conditions without requiring manual intervention from the user. The control unit autonomously processes multiple parameters and adjusts camera settings, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring expert operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors weather conditions, sun position, and lighting parameters, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust camera settings. This closed-loop approach ensures optimal image quality is maintained as environmental conditions change throughout the day.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If multiple parameters are considered for optimizing photographic properties, then the accuracy of optimization increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions by integrating weather data acquisition, sun position calculation, lighting condition analysis, and camera setting optimization into a single device. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools into one unified system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines weather data from meteorological services, GPS location data, sun position calculations, and camera parameters into a unified optimization model. By merging these diverse data sources and processing them together, the system achieves comprehensive optimization without requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If automatic optimization is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but the extent of automation increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs complete automatic optimization of camera settings without requiring user intervention. It autonomously acquires weather data, calculates optimal parameters, and adjusts camera settings, enabling complete self-service operation that maximizes ease of use while implementing full automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3712696B1Device and method for optimizing photographic recording properties
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 MEINHARDT BARBARA
  • EP3712696B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3712696B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3712696B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3

AI summary

A device and method for optimizing the properties of a photographic image comprises a storage unit (22), a computing unit (21), an object angle determination device (31) for determining the object angle (OW) of a photographic object (1, 2) based on GPS data, a camera angle determination device (33) for determining the camera angle (KW) from the camera position (KP) to the object position (OP) based on GPS data, an azimuth determination device (35) for determining the azimuth (A) of the sun relative to the object position (OP) of the photographic object (1, 2), an elevation determination device (36) for determining the elevation (E) of the sun relative to the object position (OP) of the photographic object (1, 2), and an azimuth object difference angle determination device (37) for determining the azimuth object difference angle (AODW) resulting from the difference between the azimuth (A) of the sun and the object angle (OW).an azimuth camera difference angle determination device (38) for determining the azimuth camera difference angle (AKDW) resulting from the difference between the azimuth (A) of the sun and the camera angle (KW), an elevation evaluation device (41) for calculating the elevation evaluation number (BE), an azimuth object difference angle evaluation device (42) for calculating the azimuth object difference angle evaluation number (BAODW) based on the azimuth object difference angle (AODW), an azimuth camera difference angle evaluation device (43) for calculating the azimuth camera difference angle evaluation number (BAKDW) based on the azimuth camera difference angle (AKDW), and a total evaluation device (44) for calculating the total evaluation number (BG) based on the elevation evaluation number (BE), the azimuth object difference angle evaluation number (BAODW), and the azimuth camera difference angle evaluation number (BAKDW), wherein the total evaluation device (44) performs an action,when the total score (SC) exceeds a score threshold (STR).