The present invention relates to the field of image processing, and, in particular embodiments, to a system and method for dynamic image composition guidance in digital camera.
To make a photograph more appealing, professional photographers apply various photographic or image composition techniques, also referred to as composition rules, such as the rule of thirds, the golden spiral rule, the golden triangles rule, and other image composition techniques or rules. The composition techniques or rules help better arrange the elements of a scene within a picture, for example to catch the viewer's attention, please the eye, or make a clear statement. In general, the composition techniques or rules improve the aesthetic or artistic value of captured pictures. However, in order to reach this goal, the photographer needs to have sufficient knowledge of using and applying such composition techniques. Otherwise, an amateur may not be able to achieve the same aesthetic value in their photographs or captured images. There is a need for a mechanism that allows amateurs or less experienced photographers to effectively or properly use such photographic composition techniques to improve the quality of their photographs.
In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for dynamic image composition guidance includes determining, on a camera device, a geometric strength point according to an image composition rule for a scene captured on the camera device. The method further includes guiding a user of the camera device while the camera device is moved to align an object of the scene with the geometric strength point before recapturing the scene on the camera device.
In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for dynamic image composition guidance includes displaying, on a camera device, a first image captured for a scene. A geometric strength point is then determined for the first image according to an image composition rule. The method further includes displaying the geometric strength point on the first image, and displaying an object point associated with a focused object on the first image. The method further displays changes to the scene in accordance with movements of the camera device with respect to the scene. A second image captured for the scene is then moved displayed after the camera device is moved.
In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for operating a camera device with dynamic image composition guidance includes capturing, on the camera device, a first image for a scene, and moving the camera device to align, on a screen of the camera device, an object point in the first image at or close to a geometric strength point fixed on the screen. The object point and the geometric strength point are displayed while moving the camera. The geometric strength point is determined by the camera device according to an image composition rule. The method further includes capturing a second image for the scene after aligning the object with the geometric strength point.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a device equipped with a camera and configured for real-time image composition guidance includes at least one processor and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing programming for execution by the at least one processor. The programming includes instructions to determine a geometric strength point according to an image composition rule for a scene captured by the camera. The programming further configures the device to guide a user of the camera in real-time time while the user moves the device to align an object of the scene with the geometric strength point before recapturing the scene on the device.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features of an embodiment of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated. The figures are drawn to clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of the embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale.
The making and using of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.
Embodiments are provided herein for dynamic image composition guidance in digital cameras. The dynamic image composition guidance allows users, for example, amateurs or less experienced photographers, to effectively and properly use photographic composition techniques for improving the quality of digitally captured images. The dynamic guidance system can be implemented using software/hardware in a digital camera or any device capable of capturing pictures, such as a smartphone. Upon capturing an image, the dynamic guidance system displays to the user a geometric composition template over the captured image. The display also shows geometric strength points on the image. The geometric strength points are intended to dynamically guide the user, e.g., in real-time, to redirect the camera's angle (or the camera's lens) to align an element or object of the scene within the geometric composition template according to the selected composition rule, and retake the picture accordingly. Specifically, the geometric strength points correspond to intersection points of template lines arranged according to the composition rule. The geometric composition template and geometric strength points are determined by the dynamic guidance system according to a photographic composition rule to improve the aesthetics of the image. The photographic composition rule may be selected from a plurality of available image composition techniques supported by the camera device. The composition rule may be selected by the user or automatically by the camera device, e.g., according to camera settings or photographic conditions such as focus, amount of light, scene type, or selected photography mode. Examples of some of the composition rules and how they may be applied using the guidance system are presented below. Other composition rules/techniques may also be implemented similarly using image composition guidance.
After capturing the first image 110, the dynamic guidance system applies the rules of thirds to the image. The first image 110 is displayed to the user on the camera device, e.g., on the display of a smartphone or a viewing screen of a digital camera. The system also displays the geometric composition template for the rule of thirds on the first image 110. According to the rule of thirds, the template is divided into 9 equal rectangles as shown in
When the user moves or changes the angle of the camera, the position of the object (the building structure) with respect to the scene is shifted accordingly, in real-time, while the positions of the strength points and the template remain fixed. This is displayed, in real-time, in the viewer screen. A movement guider (labeled aesthetics guider in
After capturing the first image 210, the dynamic guidance system applies the golden spiral rule to the image. The first image 210 is displayed to the user on the camera device with the geometric composition template for the golden spiral rule. The template includes a spiral that winds down to a point and other lines aligned with the spiral, as shown in
When the user moves or changes the angle of the camera, the position of the object (the building structure) with respect to the scene is shifted accordingly, while the positions of the strength point and the template remain fixed. This is displayed, in real-time, in the viewer screen. An aesthetics guider may also be displayed (e.g., at the top right corner of the view screen) to help the user move the camera in the proper direction to align the object properly. The user can thus align the object with the selected stress point, as shown in the second image 220. The user can then capture the new image, which is expected to have improved aesthetics after applying the golden spiral rule.
After capturing the first image 310, the dynamic guidance system applies the golden triangles rule to the image. The first image 310 is displayed to the user on the camera device with the geometric composition template for the golden triangles rule. The template may include four triangles that split the image, as shown in
When the user moves or changes the angle of the camera, the position of the object (the tree) with respect to the scene is shifted accordingly, while the positions of the strength points and the template remain fixed. This is displayed, in real-time, in the viewer screen. An aesthetics guider may also be displayed (e.g., at the top right corner of the view screen) to help the user move the camera in the proper direction to align the object properly. The user can thus align the object with the selected stress point, as shown in the second image 320. The user can then capture the new image, which is expected to have improved aesthetics after applying the golden triangles rule. The image composition rules above can be available or used at the same camera device and are presented herein as examples. Additional or other image composition rules or techniques may also be selected and used similarly at the same camera device to improve image aesthetics.
The CPU 710 may comprise any type of electronic data processor. The memory 720 may comprise any type of system memory such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), a combination thereof, or the like. In an embodiment, the memory 720 may include ROM for use at boot-up, and DRAM for program and data storage for use while executing programs. In embodiments, the memory 720 is non-transitory. The mass storage device 730 may comprise any type of storage device configured to store data, programs, and other information and to make the data, programs, and other information accessible via the bus. The mass storage device 730 may comprise, for example, one or more of a solid state drive, hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, or the like.
The processing unit 701 also includes one or more network interfaces 750, which may comprise wired links, such as an Ethernet cable or the like, and/or wireless links to access nodes or one or more networks 780. The network interface 750 allows the processing unit 701 to communicate with remote units via the networks 780. For example, the network interface 750 may provide wireless communication via one or more transmitters/transmit antennas and one or more receivers/receive antennas. In an embodiment, the processing unit 701 is coupled to a local-area network or a wide-area network for data processing and communications with remote devices, such as other processing units, the Internet, remote storage facilities, or the like.
While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods might be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.
In addition, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as coupled or directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.