Sweep Motion Direction Estimation in Image-Capturing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-capturing devices require user input to determine the direction of a sweep motion for panorama creation, which can frustrate the user experience and clutter the user interface.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating motion-estimating devices like gyroscopes and accelerometers to automatically estimate the direction of a sweep motion based on motion data and visual data, with a processing system that selects the most confident direction without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If user input is required to determine sweep motion direction, then the system can accurately determine the direction, but the user interface is cluttered and user experience is frustrated
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines sweep motion direction using motion sensors and image analysis without requiring user input. The processing system estimates direction from motion data and image sequences, selecting the most confident direction automatically, thereby eliminating the need for user interface interactions while maintaining accurate direction determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/user-based direction input method with automated sensor-based detection. Motion sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) and image processing algorithms substitute for manual user input, enabling automatic direction estimation without user interface clutter
2Ease of operation
If automated direction estimation is implemented, then user interface is simplified and user experience is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system performs multiple functions: it processes motion sensor data, analyzes image sequences, estimates sweep motion direction, and selects the most confident direction. By consolidating these functions in a single processing system, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that mediates between raw sensor data/images and the final direction determination. This intermediary layer integrates motion data and image analysis results, comparing confidence levels to select the most reliable direction, thereby simplifying the user interface while managing computational complexity through structured processing
3Extent of automation
If motion sensors and image analysis are used for automatic direction estimation, then the system can operate without user input, but the computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial image analysis and motion data processing to estimate direction, rather than processing all available data exhaustively. By using motion sensors to provide preliminary direction cues and then performing targeted image analysis to confirm or adjust the estimate, the system achieves automated operation while reducing overall computational energy consumption compared to complete brute-force analysis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user experience by eliminating the need for user input, reducing interface clutter, and enabling seamless and geometrically consistent panorama creation in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
an angular evidence function being associated with values from a gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
a linear acceleration evidence function being associated with values from an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an image-capturing device includes a camera, one or more motion-estimating devices to detect motion data for the device, and a processing system which is configured to automatically estimate a first direction of a sweep motion of the image-capturing device based on the motion data. The processing system is further configured to automatically estimate a second direction of the sweep motion of the image-capturing device based on images captured by the image-capturing device and to automatically select the first direction or the second direction of the sweep motion.