Image Capture Zoom Feedback via Estimated Value Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users find it difficult to intuitively grasp the degree of zoom-out processing in area zoom functions, especially when the zoom state is near the wide-angle end, as the operation's effect is not clearly communicated, making it hard to understand how the zoom function operates.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an image capturing control apparatus that displays an estimated zoom value icon and a zoom value display region on a slider, allowing users to visually understand the zoom change by showing the current and estimated zoom values, and altering the frame's display form when zoom limits are reached, such as changing its color or style to indicate impossibility of further zooming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If area zoom function is implemented without visual feedback, then the system remains simple, but users cannot intuitively grasp the degree of zoom-out processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezoom degree informationVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements visual feedback by displaying a frame indicating the designated area and icons showing current and estimated zoom values. This feedback mechanism allows users to intuitively grasp the degree of zoom-out processing and understand how the zoom function operates, resolving the information loss problem without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color changes in the displayed frame and icons to communicate zoom state information. By altering the visual appearance based on zoom parameters, the system provides intuitive feedback about the zoom degree and operational status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If zoom-out processing is performed near wide-angle end, then the camera reaches its zoom limit, but users cannot understand that further zoom-out is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezoom limit informationVSAvoiduser understanding of zoom function
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides continuous visual feedback through the displayed frame and zoom value icons that show the relationship between current and estimated zoom values. When the zoom limit is reached, this feedback mechanism communicates the impossibility of further zoom-out processing, improving user understanding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of showing only the current zoom state, the patent displays both current and estimated zoom values, allowing users to understand the zoom limit by comparing what is currently achievable versus what was requested. This inverted approach of showing both states provides clarity about limitations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of information

If no visual indication of zoom values is provided, then the display system remains simple, but users cannot grasp the zoom action and its limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezoom state informationVSAvoiddisplay interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by displaying icons that show both current zoom values and estimated zoom values. This visual feedback system provides comprehensive zoom state information including limits, while maintaining a relatively simple display interface through the use of intuitive icons and frames

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a visual dimension to zoom control by displaying graphical representations of zoom values and designated areas. This transforms the abstract zoom parameter into a visual format that users can intuitively grasp, adding information without requiring complex interface elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3349432B1Image capturing control apparatus, method of controlling the same and computer program
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 CANON KK
  • EP3349432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3349432B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3349432B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

An image capturing control apparatus controls, in accordance with an end of an operation by a user on an image captured by an image capture apparatus, a parameter value according to the operation to be set in the image capture apparatus, and causes a display unit to display a display image which indicates the parameter value according to the operation and is different from the captured image. At a first time point in the middle of the operation by the user and before the parameter value according to the operation is set in the image capture apparatus, the display unit is caused to display the display image corresponding to the parameter value according to the operation at the first time point.