Patent Application
20210133937
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the field of digital imaging, and more specifically, to a method and system for creating, storing, sharing, and displaying a plurality of versions of a single image.
In the present era with the proliferation of low cost microprocessors, memory and image capturing electronics, the overall dynamics of digital image capturing have changed drastically. Particularly, digital cameras integrated in smartphones are becoming more and more popular and are being widely used by a large number of consumers.
A digital camera captures an image, and the image is stored electronically in a memory element associated with the camera. The stored image may be further manipulated electronically.
Nowadays, digital cameras are configured to capture multiple images, or exposures, of the “same” object at a rate approaching many tens or hundreds of images per second. Particularly, capturing multiple images raises the possibility of using multiple images to produce a final photograph with significantly improved image quality. However, these digital cameras limit the user to view and share a single version of the image, selected automatically, rather than letting the user select and use any of the multiple variations of the image that were captured.
Many times, while accommodating various needs during capturing, editing and enhancing the digital images, a user may unintentionally discard the useful data associated with the image. Particularly, while zooming into an area of interest such as a person's face (a new perspective), the user zooms in and may crop the image to exclude the outside area such as a mountain in the background (the original perspective) and save the new perspective either as a new file or even in the same file, losing the original perspective.
Moreover, while enhancing the image appearance, such as brightness, saturation, contrast, highlights details, mid tones details, dark details, auto-enhance and other image enhancements, users typically store the newly edited image and end up losing the original information in the saved image. While the image appearance enhancements may improve the display of the new perspective, such as a face, they may worsen the display of the original perspective, such as a mountain in the background. Hence, the valuable original perspective is lost forever, even though both perspectives are valuable.
Furthermore, while viewing an image, if a user zooms in or physically moves the device to change the orientation thereof, they may end up seeing just a small, arbitrary portion of the image on their screen.
The U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,910 focuses on a digital image capture and processing system. The system includes an image sensor configured to capture images from the lens, a memory element and a processor coupled to the lens control element. The memory element has an image capturing software which causes the lens and the image sensor to capture at least two images, where each of the at least two images is captured using a varying parameter and stored as a single file. The two images are combined to form a new image having at least one characteristic different from the corresponding characteristics of the at least two images.
Another U.S. Pat. No. 8,773,709 focuses on an image generation system to generate a high dynamic range image from multiple images acquired in a single short exposure. The image generation system has an image acquisition unit to acquire an image, an image generation unit to generate multiple images with different resolution and brightness from the acquired image, and an image synthesis unit to synthesize the generated images.
Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,638 focuses on composing an image from multiple partially overlapping images. Both positional movement and perspective transformation are performed using pyramidal data structures. Particularly, the partially overlapping images are composed into a single image while the partially overlapping images efficiently undergo the perspective transformation according to the above determined parameters.
Thus, there remains a need to develop an invention that circumvents the problems of the prior art by introducing a method for storing and sharing multiple related perspectives as one single image, and displaying the appropriate version at the appropriate time, such as determining to display the landscape or portrait version of the image based on the display device orientation. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a way to exploit the ability of a digital camera to create, capture, store and share multiple perspectives of a single image as one image either in a single image file or linked set of files or packaged set of files.
The following presents a simplified summary of the claimed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
In view of the aforesaid needs and shortcomings of the state of the art, the present invention provides a computer implemented method for creating, storing, displaying and sharing an image with multiple perspectives.
Image processing applications where a single image is required to provide multiple perspectives often result in the loss of original valuable information. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the method as disclosed in the present invention is adapted to overcome this problem.
The present invention discloses a computer implemented method for creating, storing, sharing and displaying multiple perspectives of an image captured by a user. The said method includes providing a plurality of perspective selection options to the user and receiving a choice from the user of at least one of the plurality of perspective options of the said image. The method is followed by executing a program for generating the selected perspective of the said image.
The method further includes providing an option to the user to enhance the said image and enhancing the said image. The method is continued with storing the said enhanced perspective and the said original image in a memory of the said computing device.
The method further allows sharing of the said enhanced perspective and the said original image file with a plurality of computing devices related to plurality of other users and displaying the said enhanced perspective and the said original image over the said plurality of computing devices.
In accordance with one embodiment, the said selection of at least one of the plurality of perspective options comprises selection of an orientation format of the said image, wherein the said orientation format is at least one of a portrait mode orientation or a landscape mode orientation.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the said selection of at least one of the plurality of perspective options comprises selection of at least one new perspective of the said image by selecting a region of interest of the said image.
In accordance to another embodiment, the region of interest is selected by the user by zooming into a region of interest. In one embodiment, the region of interest is selected by the user by drawing a boundary around the region of interest.
In another embodiment, the selection of the region of interest is around a principal focal point of the image. In another embodiment, the selection may be based on an artificial intelligence selection of the region of interest.
In one embodiment of the present invention, zooming into the region of interest by the user is done by identifying a zooming area of the image optimized for one or more screen sizes of one or more computing devices.
Furthermore, the selection of the region of interest around the principal focal point of the image includes cropping the image around the principal focal point of the image.
In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence selection of the region of interest includes optimizing characteristics of the image and selecting the region of interest by user confirmation.
In accordance to yet another embodiment, the image enhancement module includes brightness, saturation, contrast, highlights details, mid tones details, dark details, auto-enhance and other image adjustment tools to enhance the image. In accordance with yet another embodiment, the present invention includes retaining multiple exposure or wider color gamut captures that the camera originally captured as part of a high dynamic range image and enabling the user to select one or more of those individual captures as a new perspective.
The user may zoom or otherwise select one or more regions from one or more of these high dynamic range individual captures to save as a new perspective.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, displaying of the image and its multiple perspectives includes displaying an optimal image region and one or more additional perspectives over the computing devices of other users. Particularly, in accordance with one of more embodiments of the present invention, the displaying of the optimal image region is based on one or more hardware components of the computing devices such as the type of the computing device, the orientation of the computing device, the screen dimension of the computing device, the display dimension of the computing device and the area available where the image and one or more perspectives of the image will be displayed.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, storing of the single image file can include storing dimension details of the original image and storing dimension details of the multiple variations of the image. Particularly, the details of the multiple variations may include details of all corner coordinates namely, horizontal and vertical coordinates of top-left, top-right, bottom-left and bottom-right coordinates or details of a sequence of coordinates encompassing a shape, or other details specifying the region of one or more new perspectives of the image.
Various embodiments of the present invention display the image and its multiple variations along with the location of the image and the total number of variations. Particularly, the image and its multiple variations are displayed by tapping, clicking or otherwise selecting one of the multiple perspectives. Moreover, the multiple variations of the image may be displayed as a carousel. Subsequently, one or more expanded images are displayed from the multiple variations. Furthermore, the user may view different areas of the image by zooming in or zooming out.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a user creates one or more new variations of the image and adds comments with the new variation and the original image. Particularly, the user can re-share the new variation along with the original image and original variations with other computing devices. Moreover, a user may save and store one or more new variations of the image created by one or more other users.
This together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present disclosure are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present invention. For better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified objective attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The invention will now be described with respect to various embodiments. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the invention.
It is intended that the terminology used in the description presented be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.
The exemplary embodiments described herein in detail for illustrative purposes are subjected to many variations. However, it should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The terms “having,” “comprising,” “including,” and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
References within the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments,” or “one or more embodiments” are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases in various places within the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be required for some embodiments but no other embodiments.
The present invention discloses a computer implemented method for creating, storing and displaying an image having one or more perspectives over a computing device of a user. The present invention will be better understood with reference to
The method includes selecting one or more perspectives of an image. Particularly, the selection is completed by at least one of a selection means such as selection by a user, by artificial intelligence means, or by a guiding means of the computing device. Moreover, the guiding means guide the user to select multiple perspectives of the image. The method enables the user to accept, reject, and edit one or more said perspectives of the image.
The method starts when the user opens the image in the computing device and a user response determination is made by the said system and method for creating, storing, sharing, and displaying multiple perspectives of an image. The user response determines whether the user wants to create one or more perspectives of the image.
In one embodiment, if the user response is “NO” then all the new perspective image information (if any) with enhancements is stored to the original image file. In another embodiment, if the user response is “YES”, then the user edits the new perspective to enhance the image. The image enhancement module includes brightness, saturation, contrast, highlights details, mid tones details, dark details, auto-enhance and other image enhancement features. Alternatively, the user confirms or rejects the image enhancement suggested by the computer implemented system. This is shown in (
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, as shown in
Particularly, the region of interest may be selected by the user around a principal focal point of the image or by an artificial intelligence selection. Moreover, the zooming of the region of interest may be done by identifying a zooming area of the image optimized for one or more screen sizes of one or more of computing devices.
In addition, the selection of the region of interest around the principal focal point of the image also includes cropping the image around the principal focal point of the image. In one embodiment, artificial intelligence may also be used for selecting the region of interest. In such implementation, such selection may include optimizing contrast and other characteristics of the image and selecting the region of interest by user confirmation.
Further, again a user response determination is made as to whether the user wants to enhance the new perspective of the image. In one embodiment, if the user response is “NO” then all the new perspective image information (if any) with enhancements is stored to the original image file.
In another embodiment of the present invention with reference to
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with reference to
Further, as shown in
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, users who are invited to view the image may create one or more new perspectives of the image, add comments about the new variation along with the original image, and re-share the new variation and the original image with other computing devices. Further, the user saves and stores one or more new variations of the image created by one or more other users.
The method starts when the user opens the image and selects an orientation format to create a new perspective of the image. Particularly, the orientation format is selected from at least one of a portrait mode orientation, a landscape mode orientation, a square or custom format.
A user response determination is made as to whether the user wants to change the orientation. If yes, then the new perspective of the image is created.
In accordance to one or more embodiments of the present invention, user creates the new perspective of the image by selecting a region of interest, by zooming into a region of interest, or by drawing a boundary around the region of interest.
The region of interest may be selected around a principal focal point of the image or by an artificial intelligence selection. Moreover, the zooming of the region of interest may be done by identifying a zooming area of the image optimized for one or more screen sizes of one or more computing devices.
In addition, the selection of the region of interest around the principal focal point of the image also includes cropping the image around the principal focal point of the image. Subsequently, artificial intelligence can also be used for creating the new perspective, which includes optimizing contrast and other viewing characteristics of the image and selecting the region of interest with a user confirmation.
In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user may respond to create the new perspective of the original image by selecting landscape orientation (refer to
In another embodiment, the user may choose to combine the orientations into one single image file. This embodiment is shown in
Alternatively, the user might choose to view alternative perspectives in a particular orientation mode. For example, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, the computer implemented method allows creation of multiple perspectives based on the device type of the user. Such implementation is shown with reference to
As shown in
Further, a user response determination is made as to whether the user wants to enhance the new perspective of the image.
In one embodiment, if the user response is “NO”, then all the new perspective image information (if any) with enhancements is saved.
In another embodiment, if the user response is “YES,” then the user edits the new perspective to enhance the image. The image enhancement module includes brightness, saturation, contrast, highlights details, mid tones details, dark details, auto-enhance and other image enhancements features. Alternatively, the user confirms or rejects the image enhancement suggested by the computer implemented system.
The method includes the user capturing multiple exposures of the image, exporting the exposure image to the computer implemented system and selecting the main image from the list of images. Then a user response determination is made as to whether the user wants to create a new perspective image from one of the exposure image list.
In one embodiment, if the user response is “NO,” then the final image and all the perspectives selected by the user are saved in a single file. Particularly, the multiple perspectives of the image along with the original image are saved and stored in the memory of the computing device.
In another embodiment, if the user response is “YES,” then the user selects one or more new perspectives of the image by selecting a region of interest from one of the exposure image list.
Further, a user response determination is made as to whether the user wants to edit the selected region of the selected image.
In one embodiment, if the user response is “NO”, then the selected perspective is saved with the original image.
In another embodiment, if the user response is “YES” then the user modifies the image using an image enhancement module in accordance to the preference and the selected region with image enhancement is saved with the original image.
Particularly, an original image captured using high dynamic range may be used to create new perspectives. A user can select one of the high dynamic range individual captures, which include multiple exposure captures or wider color gamut captures that the camera originally captured, and save the individual capture as a new perspective. Further, the user may zoom or otherwise select one or more regions from one or more of these high dynamic range individual captures to save as a new perspective.
As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
In another embodiment of the present invention, the user may view the multi-perspective image in the opposite orientation from the original (refer to
Particularly, as shown in
In various embodiments, the details of the multiple perspectives are selected from details of all corner coordinates (horizontal and vertical coordinates of top-left, top-right, bottom-left and bottom-right coordinates), or details of a sequence of coordinates encompassing a shape, or other details specifying the region of one or more new perspectives of the image. Furthermore, the single image file is decoded into the final image and its multiple variations and shared with one or more other users via their computing devices.
In various embodiments, the displaying of the optimal image region is based on one or more hardware factors of the computing devices such as the type of the computing device, the orientation of the computing device, the screen dimension of the computing device, the display dimensions of the computing device and the area available where the image and one or more perspectives of the image will be displayed.
Therefore, the present invention discloses a method for storing and sharing multiple related perspectives as one image and displaying the appropriate perspective, such as landscape or portrait versions, automatically according to the display device orientation.
Further, the present invention provides the method by which a digital camera may create, capture, store and share multiple perspectives of a single image as one image either in a single image file or as related image links.
Furthermore, the present invention may overcome challenges which were discussed above.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
