Slow Shutter Photography With Clear Subjects and Motion-Blurred Backgrounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals struggle to capture images with a clear foreground and blurred background using slow shutter photography due to difficulties in implementing long-time exposure, unlike professional cameras.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for electronic devices with cameras that automatically detect moving objects in the background, allowing for slow shutter exposure to capture a clear foreground image and a blurred background, using image segmentation and overlay techniques to separate and process subject and background images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If mobile terminal uses traditional photographing mode, then device complexity is low and ease of operation is good, but cannot achieve slow shutter exposure effect with clear foreground and blurred background

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality precisionVSAvoidphotographing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the photographing system into multiple independent modules: preview image acquisition module, moving object detection module, parameter determination module, and image processing module. This segmentation allows complex slow shutter photography to be achieved through coordinated simple modules, resolving the contradiction between image quality precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes: (1) a preview image interface showing real-time preview, (2) a detection algorithm that acts as intermediary between raw images and final output, and (3) an image synthesis module that mediates between captured frames and final photograph. This intermediary system enables mobile terminals to achieve professional camera effects without increasing apparent device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If mobile terminal implements slow shutter photography, then image quality with motion blur effect is improved, but requires long exposure time and strict stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion blur effect qualityVSAvoidphotographing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by capturing multiple frames at regular intervals during a short time window, then synthesizing them to create the motion blur effect. Instead of using a single long exposure, the system takes several quick successive shots and processes them together, achieving the same artistic effect without requiring the subject or photographer to remain still for an extended period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by: (1) pre-detecting moving objects in the preview stage before actual capture, (2) pre-determining optimal photographing parameters based on preview analysis, and (3) pre-aligning multiple captured frames through image registration. This preliminary processing enables the system to quickly generate high-quality motion blur effects without requiring lengthy setup or exposure times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If mobile terminal uses image processing techniques, then ease of operation is improved and strict stability requirement is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotographing operation simplicityVSAvoidimage processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the mobile terminal to automatically: (1) detect moving objects in the scene without user input, (2) determine optimal photographing parameters autonomously, and (3) perform image synthesis and processing automatically. This self-service capability allows users to simply tap the shutter button while the device handles all complex processing, greatly improving ease of operation despite the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting photographing parameters based on real-time detection results. The system changes exposure time, frame capture rate, and image processing parameters automatically based on detected motion characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the complex image processing system to adapt to different scenarios, making operation simpler for users while maintaining high processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4135310B1Photographing method and device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4135310B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4135310B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4135310B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a photographing method and a device, and relate to the field of electronic technologies, to capture, in a slow shutter exposure mode, a photo in which a subject image is clear and a background image has a motion blur, so as to improve photographing experience of a user. A specific solution is as follows: An electronic device enters a target photographing mode, and displays a first preview image on a preview interface. On the first preview image, an image of a first object in a preview background image has a motion blur, and a preview subject image does not have a motion blur. The electronic device displays an intermediate image on a photographing interface after detecting a photographing operation. On the intermediate image, an image of a second object in an intermediate background image has a motion blur, and an intermediate subject image does not have a motion blur. The electronic device stops photographing and generates a photo. On the photo, an image of the second object in a target background image has a motion blur, and a target subject image does not have a motion blur. Embodiments of this application are used for slow shutter photographing.