Portable Device Image Sharing via Side Touch Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face complexity in sharing photographed images due to the need for multiple operations, such as logging in and selecting images, on portable devices with compact casings and small displays.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a photographing unit, communication unit, display unit, storage unit, and detection unit that allows image sharing by detecting user interactions on the device's sides to select and display images, and transmit them to associated devices without requiring complex login processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional image sharing operations are implemented on portable devices, then image sharing functionality is achieved, but operation complexity increases and ease of use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of image sharingVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically uploading photographed images to the server and making them available for sharing before the user intends to share them. The other portable device also pre-loads and stores images from the first device, so when sharing is initiated, the image is already prepared and ready for immediate transfer, eliminating the need for complex selection and upload operations at the moment of sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the first portable device to automatically manage image upload and sharing initiation without requiring manual intervention for each step. The second device automatically receives and stores images, and the sharing process is triggered automatically when the user brings the devices close together, eliminating the need for complex manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If multiple operation steps are required for image sharing, then comprehensive control is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage sharing speedVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically uploading photographed images to the server and making them available for sharing before the user intends to share them. The other portable device also pre-loads and stores images from the first device, so when sharing is initiated, the image is already prepared and ready for immediate transfer, eliminating the need for complex selection and upload operations at the moment of sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system skips unnecessary intermediate steps in the image sharing process. By using proximity detection to automatically trigger sharing when devices are brought close together, and by having images pre-uploaded and pre-stored, the system rushes through the sharing operation in a single action rather than requiring multiple sequential steps, significantly reducing the time needed for image sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Ease of operation

If automatic image transmission is implemented, then ease of sharing is improved, but device autonomy and user control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of image sharingVSAvoiduser control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to review and confirm automatic sharing operations. The display unit shows the photographed image and sharing status, and the detection unit monitors user actions that can interrupt or modify the automatic sharing process. This feedback loop ensures that while the system automates the sharing process for ease of use, users retain the ability to review and control the sharing operation if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2797306B1Portable device, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2020.08.19 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

There is provided a portable device including a photographing unit, a communication unit configured to transmit an image obtained through photographing by the photographing unit to another portable device managed in association with the portable device each time when photographing is performed, and configured to receive the image transmitted from the other portable device each time when photographing is performed in the other portable device, and a display unit configured to display the image transmitted from the other portable device and received by the communication unit.