Electronic Device Screenshot Capture via Automatic Condition Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for storing images on electronic devices require explicit start or end commands, which can be inconvenient, especially during activities like gaming where executing these commands can be difficult.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device method that automatically stores images based on predefined conditions related to user inputs, such as touch, biometric, or motion data, eliminating the need for explicit commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If explicit start or end commands are required to store images, then the image storage function can be reliably executed, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of image storage operationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device automatically detects whether to store an image by monitoring user inputs and application states without requiring explicit commands. The system serves itself by autonomously determining capture conditions based on detected inputs (e.g., number of touches, application type), thereby eliminating the need for user-initiated start/end commands and improving operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic detection of image storage conditions is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes detection rules and thresholds for various user inputs (touch counts, application categories, input frequencies) before actual image capture occurs. By preparing the detection framework in advance and setting predetermined conditions for automatic capture, the system reduces real-time processing complexity while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic detection function is divided into separate modules: input detection module, condition evaluation module, and capture execution module. Each module handles specific tasks independently, making the overall complex system manageable through functional segmentation and reducing the cognitive load on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If explicit commands are required for image capture, then the precision of capture timing can be controlled, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for image capture processVSAvoidcapture timing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors user inputs and application states during the entire usage period rather than waiting for discrete commands. This continuous detection ensures that no significant moment is missed while automatically capturing images at appropriate times, thereby reducing time loss without sacrificing capture precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3190507B1Method and electronic device for capturing a screenshot.
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3190507B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3190507B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3190507B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of an electronic device including outputting an image through a display according to running of an application, receiving at least one of information on a state and an external situation of the electronic device while the image is output, determining, based on at least one of the information on the state and the external situation of the electronic device, whether at least one of the state and the external situation of the electronic device corresponds to a designated condition for storing at least part of the output image, and storing at least part of the output image based on the determination.