GB2508341A

GB2508341A - Capturing images using a predetermined motion to activate a button

Info

Publication number: GB2508341A
Application number: GB1221339.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lysa Clavenna; Luke Mansfield
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics UK Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics UK Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-27
Filing date: 2012-11-27
Publication date: 2014-06-04
Also published as: GB201221339D0

Abstract

An image capturing device (100) has an image sensor (200) for capturing images, a button controller (500) and a trigger detection unit (400) to detect a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the device. In response to the trigger condition S10 being detected by the trigger detection unit, the button controller activates a button S20 which on activation can receive an input from the user (e.g. pressing or selecting) S30 that is indicative of the user wanting to capture the image S40. As such, the button which receives user input indicative of the user wanting to capture the image is activated in response to the predetermined movement of the device. In effect, the device is put into camera-mode by the predetermined movement. The image sensor could be a camera in a mobile device. The movement could be sensed using accelerometers or gyroscopes. The button could be a hard-button or an icon on a touch-sensitive screen.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Capturing Images

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of capturing images. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of activating a button on the image capturing device in response to a movement of the image capturing device.

Background of the Invention

Devices having a camera function, such as digital cameras and smartphones, have been developed to digitally capture and store images. Such devices typically have a number of other functions (multifunction device). For example, a smartphone has other functions such as mobile phone, media player, and GPS navigation functions.

i As a result, when taking photographs using a smartphone, firstly the user needs to set the device to an operating mode in which the camera function can be performed (a camera mode). A camera mode is an operating mode of such multifunction device in which the image capturing function (camera function) can be readily performed such that when a camera shutter button is pressed the device takes a photograph. A non-camera mode, on the other hand, is an operating mode of a multifunctional device in which the image capturing function (camera function) cannot be readily performed. A smartphone being idle with a locked screen is a typical examp'e of a non-camera mode.

Setting such device to a camera mode is typically done by selecting the camera menu disp'ayed on the display or by pressing down on a short-cut button (e.g. a shutter button) on the device for a certain period of time. The camera is activated when the camera function is selected in such a way.

However, it is only after the camera has been activated that a camera shutter button (which instructs the camera to take a photograph) becomes active. In other words, the shutter button becomes active (i.e. the user is able to take a photograph by pressing the shutter button) when the device has been switched to a camera mode. This means that the user has to go through various time-consuming steps before pressing the shutter button to take a photograph.

The invention is made in this context.

Srnnmary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided an image capturing device comprising an image sensor for captunng an image, a trigger detection unit configured to detect a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the image capturing device, a button controller configured to activate a button in response to the trigger condition being detected by the trigger detection unit, wherein on activation the button is for receiving a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture an image.

io When a user sees an image he/she wants to capture, his/her image capturing device may not be immediatdy available before the user. For example, the device may be on a table, or in the user's pocket to begin with. Furthermore, the device is likely to be in a mode other than a camera operating mode. In such circumstances, the user typically undergoes an action of either lifting the device from the table or from his/her pocket. In addition, the user would need to ensure that the device is in a camera operating mode such that when the presses the shutter button, the device actuary starts capturing an image. However, afi of these steps result in a time delay. That is, a delay of at east a few seconds inevitably occurs from the moment the user decides to take the picture until the actual moment the image is captured (i.e. when the camera shutter button is pressed). During this time, the image which the user originally wanted to capture may well be missed.

Accordingly, the image capturing device is configured to activate a button, effectively as a camera shutter button, in response to the trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the image capturing device. The predetermined movement is a movement and/or orientation of the device indicative of a user preparing to take a photograph prior to the user input being received by the shutter button. As such, the button is ready to be pressed in response to a movement and/or orientation of the device indicative of a user preparing to take a photograph. As a resuFt, the time between the moment the user decides to take the picture until the actual moment the image is captured is reduced.

In some embodiments, the image sensor captures the image in response to the activated button receiving the user input.

In some embodiments, the image capturing device enters an operating mode in which the image sensor can capture the image in response to the activated button receiving the user input.

In some embodiments, prior to the trigger condition being detected by the trigger detection unit the button has a previous function other than for receiving a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture an image.

In some embodiments, after a predetermined time of the image sensor capturing the Jo image in response to the button receiving the user input has passed, the button returns to its previous function.

In some embodiments, the button is a hardware button.

In some embodiments, the button is a software button configured to be displayed on a dispthy of the image capturing device.

In some embodiments, the predetermined movement is a movement of the device indicative of a user preparing to take a photograph.

In some embodiments, the predetermined movement of the image capturing device includes a substantially upward movement, a substantially upward movement by a predetermined distance, a substantially upward movement at a predetermined speed, a movement resulting in the image capturing device being substantially vertical or upright, a movement resulting in the image capturing device in a landscape or portrait position, or any sequence or combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the trigger detection unit comprises an accelerometer arranged to detect a movement of the image capturing device. 3°

In some embodiments, the trigger detection unit comprises a gyroscope arranged to detect a movement of the image capturing device.

In some embodiments, the trigger detection unit comprises a controller which determines whether the detected movement of the image capturing device corresponds to the predetermined movement, and a storage unit configured to store information on the predetermined movement.

In some embodiments, the trigger detection unit also comprises at east one touch-sensitive switch arranged to detect a trigger condition upon the touch-sensitive switch being touched by the user.

In some embodiments, the predetermined movement is a movement of the device indicative of a user desiring to take a photograph. I0

In some embodiments, the predetermined movement is a gesture motion of the image capturing device by the user.

In some embodiments, the gesture motion is user defined.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of capturing an image using an image capturing device, comprising detecting a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the image capturing device activating a button in response to the trigger condition being detected by the trigger detection unit, and on activation, the button receives a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture the image.

In some embodiments, the method of capturing the image includes capturing the image in response to the activated button receiving the user input.

In some embodiments, the method of capturing the image includes entering an operating mode in which the image sensor can capture the image in response to the activated button receiving the user input.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of exampk only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus for capturing images, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a method of capturing images, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a method capturing images, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an apparatus for capturing images, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a method of capturing images, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a method of capturing images, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a method of capturing images, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

io Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described that is capable of activating a button of an image capturing device which can be pressed by a user to take a photograph or to change the operating mode of the device to a camera mode in response to a movement and/or orientation of the device which is indicative of the user preparing to capture an image.

Fig. 1 shows an image capturing device 100 for capturing images, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image capturing device 100 comprises an image sensor 200 for capturing an image, a trigger detection unit 400 for detecting a trigger condition, a button controller 500 configured to activate a button 300 in response to a trigger condition being detected. The trigger condition is based on a predetermined movement of the device 100. The predetermined movement of the device 100 is a movement that is indicative of the user preparing to take a photograph using the device 100.

Referring to Fig. 2, a method of capturing images using the image capturing device 100 according to the present embodiment shall be described.

In step Sm, a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the device 100 is detected by the trigger detection unit 400. The trigger detection unit 400 detects whether or not the device 100 has undergone a predetermined movement, based on which it determines whether or not a trigger condition has occurred.

The predetermined movement, for example, is the user lifting the image capturing device 100 from a low position to a higher position. A low position, for example, is a typical waist height of a person, and the high position is the height at which a person typically holds the image capturing device 100 when taking a photograph. Further explanation and examples of the predetermined movement are provided below.

In step S2o, when a trigger condition has been detected, the button 300 is activated by the button controller 500. In this embodiment, prior to the trigger condition being detected by the trigger detection unit 400 the button 300 has function unrelated to capturing images. In other words, the button 300 is an existing button of the device.

For example, in an embodiment where the image capturing device 100 is a smartphone, the button 300 could be a volume control button or the like. In such embodiment, a io button 300 is a push button on the image capturing device 100.

The button controller 500 is configured to activate the button 300 in response to the trigger condition being detected by the trigger detection unit 400. On activation, the button 300 is configured to receive a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture an image. Thus, once the button 300 has been activated, the image capturing device awaits any subsequent input by the user (step S3o).

The user input to the button 300 is an action taken by the user that is indicative of the user wanting to capture an image at that moment.

In step S4o, if the activated button 300 is pressed by the user within a predetermined time of the button 300 being activated, the device 100 is configured to capture an image. In effect, the activated button 300 functions as a shutter button of a camera.

If, however, the activated button 300 is not pressed by the user within the predetermined time, in step So, the activated button is dc-activated. For example, if the activated button 300 is not pressed within 10 seconds of it being activated, the button 300 reverts to its previous function (e.g. volume control button or the like). For example, the user may make the predetermined movement without wishing to take a photograph. Therefore, such measure a1ows any unintended activation of the button to be dc-activated.

In this embodiment, the button 300 being activated means that the push button is put in a state ready to receive a user input such that, when pressed, the user input is received as a valid input.

IL however, the button 300 is pressed without being activated, a user input is received for the normal function of the button 300. For example, a volume control button on the device 100 is normay configured to control the speaker volume of the device.

However, if the user lifts the device 100 to take a photograph, such movement triggers the volume button to be activated. In other words, the volume button becomes a camera shutter button when it becomes activated following the detection of a predetermined movement.

The button controller 500 of the image capturing device 100 is configured to activate io the button 300 to effectivdy function as a camera shutter button for the image sensor in response to a trigger condition being detected, such that when the activated button 300 is pressed the image sensor 200 captures an image. The image capturing device 100 is thus capable of being automatically put in a ready-state to receive user input through the activated button 300 in response to a movement of the device 100, rather than in response to the user having to manually put the device into such ready-state.

In embodiments of the invention, the image capturing device 100 can take various forms. For example, the image capturing device 100 can be any portable device having a camera, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant, a notebook computer, or a handheld electronic gaming device.

In embodiments of the invention, the image sensor 200 can be any device capable of taking photographs or videos, for example, a digital camera for capturing still image data or a video camera for capturing video image data. The image sensor 200 may capture images at visible wavelengths of light, or at other wavelengths. The image sensor 200 is included in the same body as the image capturing device 100 (e.g. is integrated into a smartphonc).

In embodiments of the invention, the button 300 can be any kind of user interface that is capable of receiving user input indicative of a user wanting to capture an image. For example, the button 300 may be a push button on any part of the image capturing device, which the user can press in order to instruct the image sensor 200 to capture an image.

The trigger detection unit 400 is a device capable of detecting a movement and/or orientation of the device 100. For example, the trigger detection unit 400 comprises an accderometer 410 capable of measuring the proper acceleration of the device 100.

In embodiments of the invention, the accelerometer 410 maybe a multi-axis accelerometer capable of detecting magnitude and direction of the proper acceleration as a vector quality, and capable of sensing orientation based on changes in direction of weight, coordinate acceleration, and vibration.

io The trigger detection unit 400 is included in the same body as the image capturing device 100 (e.g. is integrated into a smariphone) to detect the movement of the device 100. The trigger detection unit 400 also comprises a controller 420 and a memory storing predetermined movements. The controller 420 determines whether the movement of the image capturing device 100 detected by the accelerometer 410 corresponds to a predetermined movement. The information about the predetermined movements is stored in the memory.

In embodiments of the invention, the predetermined movement can be any movement of the device 100 that is indicative of the user preparing or desiring to take a photograph using the device 100. As such, any frequently used motions made by the user when taking the device 100 from a resting position to an image capturing position could be considered to be a predetermined movement, with the precise form of the predetermined movement depending on the form and arrangement of the image capturing device 100.

For example, a rising movement resulting from lifting the device 100 from a low position to a high position (e.g. from waist height to chest height) is regarded as a predetermined movement.

In some embodiments of the invention, the predetermined movement may also be any substantially upward movement of the device 100. As such, a user lifting the device 100 is determined as a predetermined movement. Furthermore, the predetermined movement may include a substantially upward movement by a predetermined distance.

For example, the predetermined distance is a range of distances that represents the distance the device 100 typically moves when being lifted by a user preparing to take a photograph (e.g. distance between waist height to chest or head height). The predetermined movement may also include a substantially upward movement at a predetermined speed.

Any movement resulting from the user orientating the device 100 such that the device 100 is held in a substantially upright or vertical position may also be a predetermined movement. Further examples of a predetermined movement include a rotational movement of the device 100 resulting in a landscape or portrait position, or any movement ending up with the device 100 at predetermined range of angles.

Furthermore, a predetermined movement may be any sequence or combination of io movements or orientations.

Furthermore, any movement resulting from the user orientating the device 100 to take another photograph after having pressed the shutter button 300 once is also a predetermined movement. For example, a sideways or a horizontal movement of the devicewhich immediatdyfollowtheshutterbutton 300beingpressed is a predetermined movement. As such, if the user presses the shutter button and subsequently aims the device at a different direction to take another photograph, the device 100 will recognise that the user is preparing to capture another image. This will trigger the image sensor 200, and steps Sm to 540 described above are then repeated.

In addition, some devices may be associated with more than one predetermined movement. For example, in some embodiments, a smartphone may be configured to take photographs both in a portrait position and a landscape position. In such embodiments, the trigger detection unit 400 may be configured to detect two predetermined movement, one indicative of the user preparing to take a photograph in the portrait position and the other indicative of the user preparing to take a photograph in the landscape position.

In some embodiments of the invention, the predetermined movement may be a gesture used by the user to indicate a desire to take a picture. For example, the predetermined movement may be a predetermined or pre-stored gesture that the user codd make the with device 100. For example, the user could trace out a "C" shape with the device, with the motion of tracing the "C" shape acting as a gesture indicating that the user desired to take a picture. Such gestures could be pre-stored on the device 100, or could be user defined. It will be appreciated that any defined movement of the device 100 could act as

a suitable gesture. -10-

Referring now to Fig. 3, a method of capturing an image according to another embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the image capturing device 100 has the same features as the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1. In other words, the image capturing device 100 comprises an image sensor 200 for capturing an image, a trigger detection unit 400 for detecting a trigger condition, a button controller 500 confIgured to activate a button 300 in response to a trigger condition being detected. The trigger condition is based on a predetermined movement of the device 100. The predetermined movement of the io device 100 is a movement that is indicative of the user preparing to take a photograph using the device 100. The trigger detection unit 400 further comprises an accelerometer 410 capable of measuring the proper acceleration of the device 100 and a controller 420 to determine whether the movement of the image capturing device 100 detected by the accelerometer 410 corresponds to a predetermined movement.

In step Sioo, the image capturing device 100 detects any movement of the device. In particular, the trigger detection unit 400 of the device detects any movement of the device. More specifically, the accelerometer 410 of the trigger detection unit 400 detects the movement of the image capturing device 100, and the controller 420 of the trigger detection unit 400 receives from the accelerometer 410 the information about the movement of the device 100.

In step S200, the controller 420 subsequently determines whether or not the movement of the device 100 corresponds to a predetermined movement.

For example, when the device 100 is lifted by the user from waist height to chest height and subsequently held tip in an upright landscape position, the accelerometer 410 first detects that there has been a movement of the device 100. The detected movement information is then received by the controller 420, which determines whether or not the detected movement is a predetermined movement based on the predetermined movement information stored in a memory of the trigger detection unit 400.

In step S300, the button 300 is activated in response to a trigger condition. That is, in response to the predetermined movement of the device 100 being detected, the button 300 is activated to function as a camera shutter button. The shutter button is a button which receives user input instructing the image sensor 200 to take a photograph. In -11 -effect, it is a button that performs the same function as a camera shutter button of an ordinary camera. For example, where the button 300 to be activated is a volume contrcil button, that button wifi change its function from a button for controfling volume to a shutter button for the image sensor (camera).

Once the button is activated, it awaits user input. In other words, it awaits further instructions from the user.

In particular, in step S400, if the activated button is pressed within a predetermined io time (e.g. 10 seconds), the image sensor 200 captures an image (step Soo). At this point, the image corresponds to the image captured at the moment the shutter button 300 is pressed. That is, since the button effectively functions as a camera shutter button once activated, the image sensor 200 will take a photograph when such activated button is pressed by the user.

On the other hand, if the activated button is not pressed within the predetermined time (e.g. 10 seconds), the activated button is de-activated (step S700). This means that, in effect, the button 300 will no longer function as a camera shutter button. Instead, it will revert back to its original function. For example, where the activated button is originally a volume control button, that button will change back to its function of controlling the volume when it is de-activated. In effect, if the shutter button 300 is not pressed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the user no longer wants to, or did not originally intend to, take a photograph. It ensures that any movement of the device 100 which is mistakenly detected as being a predetermined movement ends the camera function and the activation of the button 300.

In step S6oo, if a further movement of the device 100 is detected by the trigger detection unit 400 following the image capturing process in step S500, the controller 420 determines whether or not the movement of the device 100 corresponds to a predetermined movement. In other words, step S200 and its succeeding steps are foflowed once again.

If, on the other hand, in step 600 no further movement of the device is detected or the further movement does not correspond to a predetermined movement, the button 300 is de-activated. That is, where the button 300 is a volume control button, the button will return to having its original function as a volume control button.

-12 -The device 100 automatically changes the function of the volume control button to a camera shutter button when the user moves the device into a position that the user typicaflyh&ds the image capturing device 100 when taking a photograph. Hence, the device 100 becomes immediately ready to receive user's instruction to capture an image.

In effect, the volume control button turns into a camera shutter button and becomes ready to receive user input in response to the movement of the device 100. This ensures that any time dethy before pressing the shutter button is minimised. In effect, the image capturing device 100 is configured to pre-empt that the user wifi take a photograph using the device 100, and prepares the device too to take a photograph based on the pre-emptive determination.

i It wifi be appreciated that this a&ws for convenient photograph taking, without the need for the user to enter the camera mode (where there may be provided with an alternative shutter button).

An apparatus for capturing an image according to another embodiment is illustrated in Fig.4.

In the previous embodiment, the button 300 is a push button on the image capturing device 100. However, in this embodiment, the button 301 is an icon or an area displayable on a touch-screen display 601.

In this embodiment, the image capturing device 110 comprises an image sensor 201 for capturing an image, a trigger detection unit 401 for detecting a trigger condition, a button controller 501 configured to display a button 301 on a touch-screen display 610 in response to a triggcr coixlition beiig detected. The trigger condition is based on a predetermined movement of the device 101. The predetermined movement of the device 101 is a movement that is indicative of the user preparing to take a photograph using the device lot.

The image sensor 201 and the trigger detection unit 401 in this embodiment correspond to the image sensor 200 and the trigger detection unit 400 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1.

-13 -In this embodiment, when a trigger condition is detected, the button 301 is activated as an icon button on a touch-screen dispthy 601 of the device 101. That is, in response to a predetermined movement of the device being detected by the trigger detection unit 401, a button 301 is displayed on the touch-screen display 601 of the device 101. The button 301 is thus a software button configured to be displayed on a display 6oi.

Referring to Fig. 5, a method of capturing images using the image capturing device 101 according to another embodiment shall be described. I0

In Fig. 5, steps Silo to S22o shown are identical to steps Sioo to S22o shown in Fig. 3.

In other words, the steps leading tip to and including determining whether or not the detected movement of the device 101 is a predetermined movement are same as those in the previous embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3.

In step S33o, the button 301 is activated in response to a trigger condition. That is, in response to the predetermined movement of the device 101 being detected, the button 301 is activated. In this respect, this step is same as step S300 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, however, the activated button is in the form of a button 301 displayed on the touch-screen display 6oi of the device 101.

The displayed button is configured to receive user input instructing the image sensor 201 to take a photograph, and in that respect, the displayed button performs the function of a camera shutter button of a camera.

Once the button 301 is displayed on the touch-screen display 6oi, it awaits user input.

In other words, it awaits further instructions from the user.

The steps which follow, i.e. steps 5440 to 5770 in Fig. 4, are identical to steps 5400 to S700 in Fig. 3.

In step S44o, if the displayed button 301 is pressed within a predetermined time (e.g. seconds), the image sensor 201 captures an image (step So). The photograph taken corresponds to the image captured at the moment the displayed button 301 is pressed. That is, since the button 301 effectively functions as a camera shutter button, the image sensor 200 will take the photograph the moment the displayed button is pressed by the user.

On the other hand, if the displayed button 301 is not pressed within the predetermined time (e.g. 10 seconds), the button 301 is dc-activated (step S77o). This means that the button 301 wit I no longer be displayed on the touch-screen display 601. In other words, if the displayed button 301 is not pressed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the user no longer wants to, or did not originally intend to, take a photograph.

This ensures that any movement of the device 101 which is mistakenly detected as being a predetermined movement does not keep the button 301 displayed on the display 6oi.

io In step S66o, if further movement of the device 100 is detected by the trigger detection unit 401 following the image capturing process in step S55o, the controller 420 determines whether or not the movement of the device 101 corresponds to a predetermined movement. In other words, step S22o and its succeeding steps are followed once again.

If, on the other hand, in step 660 no further movement of the device 101 is detected or the further movement does not correspond to a predetermined movement, the button 301 is de-activated. That is, the button 301 is removed from the touch-screen display 601 of the device 101.

In some embodiments of the invention, the display 610 can be any display capable of reproducing image or video in 2D or 3D, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, or a plasma display panel (PDP).

The display 610 may be a touch screen device with a touch-sensitive overlay for user interaction. In the present embodiment, the display 6io is included in the same body as the image capturing device (e.g. is integrated into a smartphone). However, in other embodiments the display 6io may be separate from the image capturing device 100.

Furthermore, in other embodiments of the invention the display 610 may be configured in diffcrcnt ways.

A method of capturing an image according to another embodiment is illustrated by the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

In the previous embodiment, the pressing of the activated button 301 results in the image sensor 201 capturing an image. In this embodiment, the pressing of the button 301 switches the operating mode of the device 101 from a non-camera mode to a -15 -camera-mode. In effect, the activated button 301 functions as a operating mode switch button which is configured to put the device 101 into a camera mode from a non-camera mode.

A non-camera mode is an operating mode of the device in which the image capturing function cannot be readily performed. The device 101 being idle with a locked screen is an example of a non-camera mode (i.e. a mode in which the camera function cannot be operated).

io A camera mode is an operating mode of the device in which the image capturing function can be readfly performed. In such mode, the image sensor captures an image (i.e. takes a photograph) when the camera shutter button is pressed by the user.

Referring now to Fig. 6, steps Sn to 515 shown are identical to steps Sio to 550 shown i5 in Fig. 2. In other words, the steps eading up to and including activated button being pressed are same as those in the embodiment iflustrated in Fig. 2. However, in this embodiment, the button 301 is an icon or an area displayed on a touch-screen disphiy 601 of the image capturing device 101, as in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4. As such, the button 301 being activated means that the button 301 is displayed on the touch-screen display 6oi of the device 101.

In step Sn, a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the device 101 is detected by the trigger detection unit 401. In other words, if the trigger detection unit 401 detects that the device 101 has undergone a predetermined movement, it determines that a trigger condition has occurred. For example, the predetermined movement is the user lifting the image capturing device 101 from a low position to a higher position. A low position, for example, is a typical waist height of a person, and the high position is the height at which a person typically holds the image capturing dcvicc 101 whcn taking a photograph.

In step S12, when a trigger condition has been detected, the button 301 is activated by the button controller oi. That is, the button 301 is displayed on the touch-screen disp'ay 601 of the device 101.

In step S13, once the button 301 has been activated, the image capturing device 101 awaits input by the user.

The button 301 is configured to receive a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture an image. In this embodiment, the user input indicative of the user wanting to capture an image corresponds to a user input to switch to a camera operating mode so that he/she can take a photograph using the device 101. Therefore, in step S14, if the activated button 301 is pressed by the user within a predetermined time of the button 301 being activated, the device 101 is put into a camera operating mode in which the image capturing function can be performed. In effect, when the predetermined movement of the device 101 is detected, a short-cut button configured to switch the io device into a camera operating mode is dispthyed on the touch-screen display 601 of the device 101.

If, however, the activated button 301 is not pressed by the user within the predetermined time, in step S15, the activated button 301 is dc-activated. For example, is if the activated button 301 is not pressed within 10 seconds of it being activated, the button 301 disappears from the touch-screen display 601.

As such, the image capturing device 101 is capable of automatically displaying a short-cut button 301 configured to put the device 101 into a camera operating mode based on the movement of the device 101. It thus reduces the time it takes for the user to switch the device 101 into a camera operating mode. In other words, it reduces the time it takes for the user to be ready to take a photograph using the device 101.

Referring now to Fig. 7, a method of capturing an image using an image capturing device 101 according to another embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail.

In step Siooo, a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the device 101 is dctccted bythe trigger detection unit 401. In other words, if the trigger detection unit 401 detects that the device 101 has undergone a predetermined movement, it determines that a trigger condition has occurred. For examp'e, the predetermined movement is the user Bfting the image capturing device 101 from a ow position to a higher position. Alow position, for example, is a typical waist height of a person, and the high position is the height at which a person typically holds the image capturing device 101 when taking a photograph. -17-

In step S2000, when a trigger condition has been detected, the button 301 is activated by the button controller 501. In this embodiment, the button 301 is an icon or an area dispthyable on a touch-screen dispthy 6oi of the image capturing device 101. As such, the button 301 being activated means that the button 301 is disp'ayed on the touch-screen display 601 of the device 101.

In step S3000, the button 301 is displayed on the touch-screen display 6oi, and awaits user input.

io On activation, the button 301 is configured to receive a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture an image. In this embodiment, the user input indicative of the user wanting to capture an image corresponds to a user input to switch to a camera operating mode so that he/she can take a photograph using the device 101.

is In step S4000, if the displayed button 301 is pressed by the user within a predetermined time of the button 301 being activated, the device 101 switches to an operating mode in which the image capturing function can be readily performed. In effect, the displayed button 301 functions as a mode-switch button which switches the operating mode of the device 101 from a non-camera operating mode into a camera operating mode.

If, however, the displayed button 301 is not pressed by the user within the predetermined time, the displayed button disappears from the display. For example, if the activated button 301 is not pressed within 10 seconds of it being activated, the displayed button 301 is removed from the touch-screen display 6oi.

As such, the image capturing device 101 is capable of displaying a button 301 which can function as a short-cut button for switching the device ioi into a camera operating mode in response to a predetermined movement of the device 101. For example, if the user Bfts the device 101 to take a photograph and such movement is detected as a predetermined movement, a button 301 appears on the touch-screen display 601. As a result, it is easier and quicker for the user to switch to a camera mode to perform the camera function since there is no need for the user to scroll through menus (or hold down on a hardware button for few seconds) to put the device 101 into a camera operating mode. In effect, the device 101 automatically determines that the user wants -18-to switch to camera mode. The user needs to simply confirm the mode switch by pressing the activated mode button 301.

As such, the image capturing device 101 gives the user quick access to the mode-switch button in response to the predetermined movement of the device 101. This is advantageous over a permanent short-cut button as it becomes active on after it determines that the user has moved the device 101 in such way as to indicate that he/she wishes to take a photograph. It is also dc-activated if no further input is received from the user. As such, measures are in place to dc-activate the button 301 if it io has been activated by error, as explained above.

Although in this embodiment the button 301 is a button displayed on a touch-screen display 6oi of the image capturing device 101, in other embodiments, the button may be a push button on the image capturing device, or any other form of user interface capable of receiving input from the user. In such embodiment, the button being activated means that the push button is put in a state ready to receive a user input such that, when pressed, the user input is received as a valid input. If, however, the button is pressed without being activated, a user input is received as an invalid input. For example, a volume control button on the device is normally configured to control the speaker volume of the device. However, if the user lifts the device to take a photograph, such movement triggers the volume button to be activated. In other words, the volume button becomes a short-cut button for switching the device into a camera mode when it becomes activated following the detection of a predetermined movement.

In other embodiments, the button 300 may be a dedicated camera shutter button in the form of a push button, which becomes active (i.e. capable of receiving and communicating user input) in response to a predetermined movement of the device 100.

Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described in relation to a camera, the present invention may be generally applicab'e to any type of image sensor.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in relation to an accelerometer 410, the present invention may be generally applicable to any apparatus suitable for detecting movement of the device, such as a gyroscope.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in relation to a button for receiving user input to capture an image, the present invention is not limited to a button as such, and maybe gener&Iy applicaNe to any apparatus suitable for receiving user input to capture an image.

Whilst certain embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the skilled person will understand that many variations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the io accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An image capturing device (ioo, ioi) comprising: an image sensor (200, 201) for capturing an image; a trigger detection unit (400, 401) configured to detect a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the image capturing device (ioo, ioi); and a button controller (500, 501) configured to activate a button (300, 301) in response to the trigger condition being detected by the trigger detection unit (400, 401), io wherein on activation the button (300, 301) is for receiving a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture the image.
2. The image capturing device of claim 1, wherein the image sensor (200, 201) is configured to capture the image in response to the activated button (300, 301) receiving the user input.
3. The image capturing device of claim 1, wherein the image capturing device (ioo, ioi) is configured to enter an operating mode in which the image sensor (200, 201) can capture the image in response to the activated button (300, 301) receiving the user input.
4. The image capturing device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein prior to the trigger condition being detected by the trigger detection unit (400, 401) the button (300, 301) has a previous function other than for receiving a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture an image.
The image capturing device of claim 4, wherein a predetermined time after the image sensor (200, 201) has captured the image in response to the button (300, 301) receiving the user input, the button is configured to return to its previous function.
6. The image capturing device of any one of cthims ito 5, wherein the button (300) is a hardware button.
7. The image capturing device of any one of claims ito 5, wherein the button (301) 5 a software button configured to be displayed on a display (601) of the image capturing device.
8. The image capturing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined movement is a movement of the device (ioo, mi) indicative of a user preparing to take a photograph.
9. The image capturing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined movement of the image capturing device (ioo, iw) includes a substantially upward movement, a substantially upward movement by a predetermined distance, a substantially upward movement at a predetermined speed, a movement io resulting in the image capturing device being substantially vertical or upright, a movement resifiting in the image capturing device in a thndscape or portrait position, or any sequence or combination thereof.
10. The image capturing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger detection unit (400, 401) comprises an accderometer (410) arranged to detect a movement of the image capturing device (ioo, ioi).
ii. The image capturing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger detection unit (400, 401) comprises a gyroscope arranged to detect a movement of the image capturing device (ioo, ioi).
12. The image capturing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger detection unit (400, 401) comprises: a controller (420) configured to determine whether the detected movement of the image capturing device (ioo, ioi) corresponds to the predetermined movement; and a storage unit configured to store information on the predetermined movement.
13. The image capturing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger detection unit (400, 401) further comprises at east one touch-sensitive switch arranged to detect a trigger condition upon the touch-sensitive switch being touched by the user.
14. The image capturing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined movement is a movement of the device (ioo, ioi) indicative of a user desiring to take a photograph. -22-15. The image capturing device of claim 14, wherein the predetermined movement is a gesture motion of the image capturing device (ioo, ioi) by the user.16. The image capturing device of claim 15, wherein the gesture motion is user defined.17. A method of capturing an image using an image capturing device (too, ioi), the method comprising: Jo detecting a trigger condition based on a predetermined movement of the image capturing device (too, 101); and activating a buiton (300, 301) in response to the trigger condition being detected by a trigger detection unit (400, 401) of the image capturing device (ioo, ioi), wherein on activation the button (300, 301) is for receiving a user input indicative of a user wanting to capture the image.18. The method of claim 17, further comprising capturing the image in response to the activated button (300, 301) receiving the user input.19. The method of claim 17, further comprising entering an operating mode in which the image sensor (200, 201) can capture the image in response to the activated button (300, oi) receiving the user input.