Dynamic Rotation Direction for Wide Visual Field Image Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display control methods for wide visual field images using omni-directional cameras often result in user irritation due to inconsistent movement directions between user operations and image movements, particularly when the zenith or nadir is included in the display range, as the rotating direction of the image is fixed regardless of the start position of the operation.

Innovation Solution

The display control apparatus adjusts the rotation direction of the wide visual field image around the vertical axis based on the positional relationship between the user's operation start point and the zenith or nadir, ensuring that the movement direction of the image matches the user's intended operation direction, thereby preventing user irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the rotating direction of the wide visual field image is fixed regardless of the start position of the operation, then the control logic is simple, but the image movement direction becomes inconsistent with the user operation direction when the zenith or nadir is included in the display range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidoperation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the rotation direction dynamic by determining it based on the start position of the user operation relative to the zenith and nadir positions. When the start position is above the zenith or below the nadir, the rotation direction is reversed compared to when it is below the zenith or above the nadir. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the image always moves in the direction the user intends, resolving the contradiction between simple control logic and operation consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rotation direction parameter based on the vertical position of the user's operation start point. By comparing the start position with the zenith and nadir positions, the system adjusts the rotation direction parameter to ensure consistent image movement with user intent. This parameter change approach maintains operational consistency without requiring overly complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the wide visual field image is rotated to follow user operation, then the display follows user input, but the image moves in the opposite direction when the operation starts from certain positions relative to the zenith or nadir

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay responsivenessVSAvoidmovement direction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic rotation direction control by detecting the start position of the user operation and comparing it with the zenith and nadir positions. When the start position is in the upper hemisphere (above zenith or below nadir), the rotation direction is set opposite to when it is in the lower hemisphere. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the image movement direction always matches the user's intended direction, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining display responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from the user's operation start position to determine the appropriate rotation direction. By continuously monitoring where the user starts their operation relative to the zenith and nadir, the system adjusts the rotation direction in real-time to ensure the image moves in the correct direction. This feedback mechanism guarantees movement direction accuracy while maintaining responsive display behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3547098B1Display control apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 CANON KK
  • EP3547098B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3547098B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3547098B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a display control apparatus to perform operations of units including a display control unit configured to display a partial range of the wide visual field image and a control unit. The control unit changes the display range of the wide visual field image by rotating the display range clockwise or counterclockwise around the first axis in response to input of a moving operation in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The control unit changes the display range by rotating the display range in a rotation direction around the first axis in response to input of a moving operation in the first direction, wherein the rotation direction differs based on a positional relationship between a start point of the moving operation and the center position with respect to a axis direction vertical to the first direction.