Time-lapse Photography Interface with Rotary Time Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current time-lapse photographing methods on mobile terminals are cumbersome and inefficient as they require a separate menu setting interface, which complicates the process.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for time-lapse photographing that displays a photographing interface with a shutter button and an annular time setting region, allowing users to select a delay time by detecting a subregion through rotary touch operations, eliminating the need for a menu setting interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a menu setting interface with time-lapse button is used, then time-lapse photographing function is available, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation processVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the time setting function directly into the photographing interface by placing an annular time setting region around the shutter button. This eliminates the need for a separate menu setting interface, allowing users to select delay times and trigger photographing operations within a single integrated interface, thereby simplifying the operation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The photographing interface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the shutter button area not only triggers photographing but also contains the annular time setting region for selecting delay times. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate interfaces for different operations, reducing the complexity of the overall interface structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple interface screens are required for time-lapse settings, then comprehensive control is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotographing efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides delay time options (5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s) that are pre-configured in the annular time setting region. Users can directly select from these pre-set options without needing to manually configure complex parameters or navigate through multiple menus, significantly reducing the time required to set up and execute time-lapse photographing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2985991B1Method and device for time-lapse photographing
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 XIAOMI INC
  • EP2985991B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2985991B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2985991B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for time-lapse photographing. The method includes: displaying (101) a photographing interface at least including a shutter operation control, the shutter operation control being composed of a shutter button and a time setting region outside the shutter button; determining (102) delay time according to the time setting region; and photographing (103) according to the delay time.