Remote Image Display Control for Overview and Detail Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for telepresence robots do not effectively manage the output of images from different types of cameras, leading to suboptimal user experience in viewing remote site information.
Innovation Solution
An output control apparatus that communicates with a communication network, receiving and displaying images from both wide-angle and detailed cameras, allowing users to view the remote site in a preferred manner by controlling the display of images from first and second image capturing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple types of image capturing devices are used to capture both overall surroundings and detailed parts, then the user can check information in more detail, but the system becomes complex and the user may not check information in the desired manner due to improper image output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image display process into two distinct modes: overview mode displaying images from the first image capturing device, and detailed view mode displaying images from the second image capturing device. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple image sources without overwhelming the user, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable, context-specific segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different image display modes based on user interaction. The system transitions from displaying overview images to detailed images when the user hovers or selects specific regions, and returns to overview mode when the user moves away. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide detailed information only when needed, maintaining simplicity while enabling high measurement precision on demand.
2Ease of operation
If images from different cameras are displayed without coordinated control, then the system is simple to operate, but the user experience is suboptimal as users cannot view remote site information in their desired manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user interactions (hovering, clicking) with displayed images and automatically adjusts the display mode accordingly. When a user hovers over or selects a specific region in the overview image, the system provides feedback by switching to display the corresponding detailed image, and returns to overview mode when the user moves the cursor away. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to user preferences without requiring complex manual controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between the simple display interface and the complex multi-camera system. The intermediary layer processes user interactions and translates them into appropriate image switching commands, maintaining ease of operation while enabling versatile adaptability to user preferences through automated image selection and display mode switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system automatically switches between overview and detailed images based on user interaction, then user preference is accommodated, but the control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control where the system automatically detects user intentions through cursor position and interaction patterns, and autonomously switches between display modes without requiring explicit commands. The control logic monitors user behavior and autonomously determines when to switch from overview to detailed views and when to return to overview mode, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining adaptability to their preferences.
Data Source
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AI summary
An output control apparatus (50, 70) is communicable with a communication apparatus (30) through a communication network (9). The communication apparatus includes first image capturing means (21) for capturing a subject at a remote site to acquire a first image and second image capturing means (24) for capturing a part of the subject to acquire a second image. The output control apparatus includes: first receiving means (51, 71) for receiving the first image; output means (54, 71) for outputting the received first image so as to be displayed on a display unit (511); and second receiving means (51, 71) for receiving, from the communication apparatus, the second image. The output means outputs the second image received by the second receiving means so as to be displayed on the display unit. The output control apparatus controls the display unit to display the first image and the second image.