JP2012034281A - Photographer's guidance systems - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide photographer's guidance systems.SOLUTION: The systems are made responsive to location, time of day, and manual user inputs to provide photo exposure suggestions based upon information stored as photo set-up descriptors. In response to user requests in combination with conditions such as time, location, weather, etc., a database request is executed against stored data to produce a resultset of photo set-up descriptors. The descriptors are used both manually and automatically to assist a photographer in setting up a photo exposure in agreement with the prescribed parameters. The systems may be directly coupled with a DSLR type camera and may operate via controls and interfaces thereof. In alternative versions, the systems have independent controls and user interfaces with outputs coupled to a DSLR control. In still further other versions, an entirely manual system leaves it to the photographer to set up a camera of the art in agreement with parameters presented in resultsets.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to photography devices, and more particularly to an electrophotographic photographer guidance system that provides setup information in accordance with various real-time stimuli.

  Computer technology has made amazing changes to our daily activities. From how we get in touch with our family, to how we plan our journey, today, computers have a huge impact on the way we have done many activities. Is exerting. Even technical and beautiful things like photographs can be greatly improved and improved by computer-aided systems. With the advent of digital cameras (especially high-end or professional digital single lens reflex (DSLR) type cameras), there has been a great opportunity for photographers to benefit from advances in general computer technology.

  In one represented example, a digital camera coupled to a GPS positioning system has a computer that gives a name to the digital data file of the photo that is specific to the location where the photo is taken. Such a system was first taught in detail in US Pat. No. 6,657,661 by Colorado inventor Cazier. As a particular disadvantage of such a system, the image file is given a name associated with the location where the image was captured, rather than a name associated with the location of the image object. For example, a photographer on the Bayfront coast in Richmond, California may take pictures of San Francisco, Oakland, Alcatraz, Sorcerito, Madera and San Rafael. However, all files can be named the prefix “Richmond”, according to Cazier's teachings, regardless of the fact that no one in the image is actually from Richmond. Cazier's teachings are probably useful for travelers visiting Paris, but such systems are limited and their applications are extremely narrow.

  Another important illustrative attempt to combine advanced computing systems and location-based information science is found in US Pat. No. 7,477,295. In the present invention by Mr. Tanaka of Japan, the GPS module determines the position of the camera, and information is sent from the GPS to the camera via the wireless I / F. After the picture is taken, it is stored as an electronic file on the local memory card. In addition to images, thumbnail (very reduced) images are also stored. Further, the computer calculates the camera posture and range (the distance from the photographer's position to the object to be photographed) according to the position table data. The measurement data, that is, the position coordinate data, the target position coordinate data, the camera posture, and the distance from the photographer's position to the target are all attached to the digital file representing the image. In this way, data measured during exposure may be added to the digital file of the image.

  In another important invention entitled "Electronic guide system, contents server for electronic guide system, portable electronic guide device, and information processing method for electronic guide system", Mr. Konbuya, the inventor of Sony Corporation. The invention provided by U.S. Pat. No. 7,130,742 was granted on October 31, 2006 as US Pat. No. 7,130,742. The electronic tour guide acts on the traveler so that the server provides guide information including not only map data but also places of interest. Furthermore, the server provides content that matches the user's predetermined specifications. Customized tour guide content is stored in the electronic guide device. Upon arrival at the destination (eg, airport counter), the electronic guide device with the pre-loaded custom information is taken by the user to take to the selected destination for further consumption of custom content. Received and used.

  Although the art systems and inventions are designed to achieve specific objectives and goals, some of which are not as surprising, they preclude their use in new ways now possible Has limitations. They are not used and cannot be used to realize the effects and objects of the invention taught below.

US Pat. No. 6,657,661 US Pat. No. 7,477,295 US Pat. No. 7,130,742

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographer guidance system.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a photographic apparatus that shows parameters related to photographic exposure in response to a request from a photographer.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a computer-based photography apparatus that includes a predetermined library of stored exposure data.

  Peter Ellenby, his brother Thomas Ellenby, and their friends Joseph Page provide an invention relating to a photographer guidance system having a photographic device for generating photographic images. In the present invention, the photographic device provides suggestions regarding exposure parameters associated with current and future conditions. The origin of such a guidance system is to provide a computer-based system that responds to various stimuli by providing suggestions to the photographer how a given photographic exposure is assembled and made. Functional.

  The electrophotographic photographer guidance system has a programmed application specific computer arranged to retrieve data from a library of stored photo setup descriptors. A photo setup descriptor is devised and provided prior to use of the system. The photo setup descriptor includes designation of photo exposure setup parameters (including but not limited to vantage points, shooting angles, camera settings, environment, date and time, etc.). When there are various program stimuli, the computer invokes at least one photo setup descriptor by means of a query engine. Specific details of the photo setup descriptor may be presented graphically on a user interface (eg, display or monitor). According to the photo setup descriptor shown, the photographer user manipulates his position, the direction the camera is facing, and the camera settings to achieve an exposure photo that matches the photo setup descriptor.

  A photography tour is realized when a set of related photo setup descriptors are given sequentially. For example, multiple photo setup descriptors, all associated with the city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, may be given sequentially, so that the photographer can be guided to the most important photo landmarks in Amsterdam from Each time you move in order, you can perform photo exposure. Alternatively, a photography tour of such a system may also include a walking tour of a single landmark (eg, the Roman Coliseum).

  Multiple photo setup descriptors, each associated with the Coliseum, may be distributed to some extent in terms of a logical walking path, so that the photographer visits a famous Roman landmark You can walk around while taking pictures according to certain parameters to form a visual documentary of the still image.

  In general, such a system is formed from the following electronic modules connected as described. A program computer located with stored application specific program code and query engine is coupled to the photo setup library. The query request causes a call to a result set that includes at least one photo setup descriptor object having a photo exposure specification that includes, among other things, a point that is advantageous for taking a picture, a camera pose, and a camera setting. Such photo setup descriptors may be presented in a display-type user interface, where their partial display may be made visually and / or graphically. A user who is a photographer may further interact with the result set of photo setup descriptors by scrolling through a number, for example, by means of a control module unit. The control module unit further drives code execution for the application.

  A photography tour is given when a set of retrieved photo setup descriptors involves a common theme or object. For example, one type of photography tour is arranged with respect to various locations in one city. Given in a logical order, multiple photo setup descriptors may be placed one after the other, which follows a spatial pattern. For example, a photography tour may be arranged to follow a predetermined possible route. The photographer performs the photo exposure according to the photo setup descriptor details given to him while synchronizing with the bus trip. For example, a famous double-decker bus tour in London that takes the well-known route may be combined with a photography tour of the system taught herein. That is, a photographer equipped with such a system goes through a set of photo setup descriptors given to provide photography guidance and photography suggestions around London while taking a double-decker bus for London.

  In addition, photography lessons are an important aspect, while photography tours are the primary function of such systems. A result set of photo setup descriptors may be formed in response to a user request for a particular photography lesson. For example, a photography lesson that uses rain paddles to form an image with strong reflections may be provided. A series of well-developed photo setup descriptors that each ponder on the shooting angle, to teach the photographer the best shooting position, taking into account the relative position of the landmarks with respect to the reflective surface and also with respect to the light source and its position May be provided. In this way, such a photographer guidance system is designed to support the purpose of both a photography tour and a photography lesson.

  Photography tours and photography lessons may be provided to the user upon direct request. For example, the user can designate an “Egypt landmark tour”. The computer is arranged to execute an application in which such user selection can be translated into program logic. In response to such a selection, the computer invokes a plurality of photo setup descriptors that match the selection, ie, a photo setup descriptor associated with a landmark in Egypt. Alternatively, the user may set the computer in “landmark” mode, and the computer may rely on a GPS positioning system to further identify the requested query. That is, rather than a manual selection of “Egypt”, the user may rely on the computer's own position determination prior to calling the photo setup descriptors that make up the tour. In practice, the computer may be run in various modes, so that the options set by the user, or given by default, or given by measurement are the set of photo setup descriptors that make up the tour or lesson. Bring the way to be called. The application supports various modes, each of which may perform different queries on data stored in a library that results in different photography tours and photography lessons.

  In all cases, the program computer issues a request query to the stored library of photo setup descriptors to generate a result set of at least one photo setup descriptor. The result set of photo setup descriptors is automatically or manually applied to the camera to achieve photo exposure according to the details of the photo setup descriptor.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a photographer guidance system.

  In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a photography apparatus that shows parameters relating to photography exposure in response to a request from a photographer.

  Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a computer-based photography apparatus provided with a predetermined library relating to stored exposure data.

1 is a block diagram of a photographer guidance system and its main subsystems. FIG. FIG. 3 is another important block diagram where a computer based system is coupled to a digital camera. It represents an additional important coupling between related systems that work together and their photographer guidance systems. Other block diagrams are presented that are particularly relevant to the DSLR subsystem. A similar block diagram representing the relationship with camera subsystem settings is presented. A to C are a series of special images that represent an important aspect of exposure suggestion according to certain embodiments. A and B represent suggestions relating to advantageous shooting points provided by the photographer's guidance system of the present disclosure. A to C represent an important example where stellar time is considered in a system that proposes how to generate a photographic exposure with a preferred arrangement of the moon. A and B represent special images with strong reflections that are improved by selecting specific shooting angles, shooting locations and dates. A and B represent special sunset images proposed by such a system taking into account the real-time weather reports obtained from the Internet connection. Represents the photographic exposure proposed by such a system as time passes.

  A better understanding can be obtained with reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The presented embodiments are specific ways of implementing the invention, and do not include all possible ways. Accordingly, there may be embodiments that are within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Of course, many variations are possible.

  These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and drawings.

  In accordance with each of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a photographer guidance system is provided. Of course, each of the described embodiments includes a device, and that device of one preferred embodiment may be different from the device of the other embodiments. Thus, the limitations found in one example are introduced and should not be considered implicitly as an alternative example location.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the most complete understanding of a typical photographer guidance system is obtained. An example photographer guidance system 1 mainly includes a program computer 2 having an application-specific program code 3, a position determining means 4, and a photo setup descriptor library 5.

  Application specific program code 3 is designed and provided to execute control logic defining transactions between various system components. Code is created with an awareness and understanding of system objects and system architecture. Codes that are specific to the structure and nature of all the elements taught herein are stored to be executed from time to time when the device is functioning in normal use.

  The position determining means (eg GPS receiver) is arranged with a reference point coupled to the device. That is, it is set to always determine the position / location wherever the camera is. In most cases, this simply means positioning the GPS antenna within the primary hardware of the system. The elements of such a system may be implemented in a distributed system, i.e., in particular, a photo setup library, while a primary hardware unit that necessarily serves as a location reference for a mobile and cooperating part. Exists. In most preferred cases, the primary hardware unit has the system elements described, as well as a built-in DSLR.

  The photo setup library 5 is a data storage device and may be arranged as a conventional database. Such a database has a mechanism such as a custom designed schema. Furthermore, the photo setup library of such a system has preloaded storage data, specifically a plurality of photo setup descriptors 6. A photo setup descriptor has a handle, a parameter list (eg, name-value pairs), executable code, and sometimes one or more images. The most important element of the photo setup descriptor is the geometrical concept and definition of the point of view or the point that is advantageous for shooting. There is a one-to-one correspondence between photo setup data recording and viewpoint. That is, each photo setup descriptor contains exactly one viewpoint.

  Another important property of the photo setup descriptor is its association. Depending on the various parameters or recording fields, the photo setup descriptor forms an association with some criteria. This is useful for sorting operations. In one example, a photo setup descriptor may have an association with a location (eg, Washington, DC). In other examples, the photo setup data record may have an association with a particular landmark. The Washington Monument is a famous landmark for travelers. For the purposes of this discussion, a “photo set” or “result set” collection of photo setup descriptors will generally create some useful graphic image, such as a landmark such as the Washington Monument. Specific to a common subject. In this way, the object of interest can be represented by a “photo setting” that includes information about its members, ie, each of the setup descriptors. It is important to understand that any photo setup descriptor or object view designation is generally not co-located with the photo object. In other words, the position of the photo setup viewpoint is usually different from the position where the object of the photograph is located.

  Many other associations are also useful. For example, a photo setup descriptor may have a “season” association (eg, “spring”). A photo setup descriptor may have an association characterized as a photographic effect or feature (eg, “reflection”). Many other photo setup descriptor associations will become more apparent in view of the examples detailed below. Further, of course, not all possible associations will be described here (because the number is infinitely large), but even if new associations are introduced, the essence and core of the present invention will not change. The main thing to be clearly understood is that the association is associated with a photo setup descriptor, and sorting and invocation based on such association of stored photo setup descriptors can be affected. .

  The position determining means communicates position data to the computer, sometimes continuously throughout the operation, in response to the initialization step. Based on the received location information, the query engine 7 forms a database query to call stored information from other information such as association designations. The result set (multiple descriptors) 8 is returned to the computer. This result set includes all photo setup descriptors that satisfy the parameter definition of the query. The result set may include one or more photo setup descriptors.

  The photo setup descriptor may be reviewed and examined by the user. Application specific code is arranged, for example, to parse the photo setup descriptors one by one in a display type visual user interface 9 and "play" them. More specifically, the image 10 may be presented simultaneously with graphic and text / numeric data.

  While viewing the photo setup descriptor, the user interacts with the application in view of the presented photo setup descriptor using the control module 11 with tactile peripherals (eg, key switch 12 or thumbwheel 13). . For example, the user may “select” a particular photo setup descriptor for further action.

  Therefore, the most general form is given as a block diagram in FIG. Such a system is sometimes deployed independently of any camera device, but is preferably considered in close association with the digital camera (sometimes integrated with the digital camera).

  FIG. 2 shows in block diagram an important form in which the system is integrated directly with the camera. Modern digital cameras today have high performance computer equipment, large memory and (sometimes) GPS, but they usually lack the other elements described herein. If the photographer guidance system 21 is a device that is tightly integrated with the DSLR 22, the DSLR interface 23 may be placed as part of the system, which matches the photo setup descriptor selected by the user. Control commands generated by the system are sent to the DSLR 22, and the operating state of the camera is adjusted according to the parameter details of the photo setup descriptor. In this case, the GPS 24 provides location data to a query engine 25 that generates a database query taking into account a predetermined arrangement of stored photo setup data. Each unique photo setup is associated with a viewpoint spatial concept. That is, the database schema and prepared data 26 are sometimes provided in view of the location and nature of the same photograph being generated. Details regarding the point of view for taking a picture or a point that is advantageous for taking are sent with the photo setup descriptor 27. Further, other photo setup information may include attitude, lens magnification, shutter speed, exposure information, and the like. Returning to the description according to FIG. 1, the user can select one from a plurality of photo setup descriptors. Once the photo setup descriptor is selected, it is used by the application specific code 28 to drive the DSLR interface. A DSLR interface appropriately coupled to the digital camera changes the operating state of the camera 22 in accordance with the information called as a photo setup descriptor or result set.

  In the review, the user can take the mobile unit of this system to a place of interest and automatically receive suggestions regarding photography with the proposed image (defined by the called photo setup descriptor). it can. The user can also specify parameters (eg, “reflection at sunset”) to limit or narrow the scope of the object provided as a suggestion for photography. Upon selecting an image from a group of images in the result set, the computer system gives the user detailed parameter settings used by the photographer to make the actual exposure the same as suggested. The most important of these is a point or image viewpoint that is advantageous for photographing. The user can specify that he wants to take a picture of the Washington Monument with reflections in a nearby reflective puddle. Upon selection, the computer directs the user to a specific viewpoint that can take such a picture that meets the criteria. Since the images stored in the database have been added to the geometric definition of those stored images that correspond to the point of view from which they were generated or advantageous for shooting, the computer knows about this viewpoint. When the user arrives at the location specified by the photo setup descriptor and points the camera in the attitude as described, the DSLR interface adjusts the camera for all additional exposure settings before shutter release. be able to.

  FIG. 3 shows an important communication mode of the photographer guidance system 31. Some generic of such systems have very complete libraries of photo setup descriptors, so it would be more convenient to implement them as remote servers. A wireless communication link 32 is established, whereby the mobile device described is coupled to the Internet 33 and exchanges messages with the Internet 33. The call to the remotely located photo setup library 34 (server) generates a response over the same wireless communication link, which allows the mobile unit of the photographer guidance system to A limited set of data is received that includes a potential photo setup descriptor. As will be apparent, mobile systems with finite memory and computing resources are advantageous when combined with remote servers as described. In addition, the built-in type with all data onboard is further limited with respect to frequent updates. The remote photo setup library provides all connected users with real-time fresh update data with a single one-time change in the library located as a remote server.

  When the mobile unit is taken to a shooting location or site, the GPS 35 measures the position of the device and reports the position data to an application specific program computer. In one particular alternative, an electronic compass 36 may be included. Device attitude information may also be used in some data queries to request a photo setup descriptor via a narrower query. When photographers using these systems in Washington, DC are located on 9th Street NW in the mall facing west, the compass detects the direction they are facing or the attitude of the mobile unit and queries this information. Can be provided to the engine. In this way, simply pointing west from this location causes the photo setup descriptor to be called to have all the Washington monuments as image objects. However, if the device is rotated 180 degrees and directed east, the returned result set will only contain a photo setup descriptor with the intended US Congress. That is, the pointing attitude drives the query engine to recall data related to which it is directed. Thus, both position and orientation can be used to form a query to invoke a particular photo setup descriptor.

  In one important example, the compass has a reference direction, that is, a direction that depends on attitude determination. Preferably, the reference direction is coupled to the optical axis of the camera, more specifically the camera lens, in some systems. When the camera is pointed, the compass determines the pointing direction of the camera, rather than any criteria of the mobile unit. Thus, the recalled photo setup record set (ie, multiple photo setup descriptors) can depend on the instantaneous position and orientation of the camera.

  The second important wireless communication link is also useful in some cases. The mobile unit is sometimes coupled to the camera by means of a bluetooth type communication link 38. The DSLR 39 with complementary bluetooth transceiver allows the camera to perform continuous data communication with the mobile unit of the nearby photographer guidance system. Such alternatives provide several hardware variants, each of which has significant advantages and disadvantages.

  A wealth of information related to any particular photo exposure, i.e. photo setup, becomes available in the normal operation of such a system. For example, it is known in the art to save an image file having pixel data along with metadata according to the IPTC format used with a TIFF or JPEG image data file, but conventionally, the photographic subject, environment, and exposure characteristics It was impossible to automatically add data related to all aspects of the image file. For example, it is currently impossible to automatically add information related to a photographed object to an image file with a system of this technology. For example, when taking a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge with today's latest camera, the file metadata does not read “Golden Gate Bridge”. It may include data, exposure details, and manually added fields (eg, “San Francisco” or “San Francisco Bay Snapshot”). However, it is not possible to obtain a field label that reads “Golden Gate Bridge” without having to stop entering text data that manually describes every possible object that can be photographed. It is particularly troublesome to label each photo as it is taken. As such, the “Golden Gate Bridge” is in most cases too narrow or detailed with respect to the description, unless one intends to take a series of photographs including the Golden Gate Bridge. If you decide to take another subject, the next text label must be prepared manually. However, it is appropriate to respond with “San Francisco” as a text label for photos taken during a sightseeing trip to the city. Many photos taken during sightseeing trips can be accurately described as “San Francisco”. It is a static field that applies to all images, regardless of what is actually captured.

  In the system 41 taught herein, the photo setup descriptor may include information about the actual subject of the photograph taken. A photographer on Alcatraz Island pointing his camera 42 west automatically causes a call to a photo setup descriptor that includes the title of the subject of the photograph being photographed (ie, “Golden Gate Bridge”). Therefore, “Golden Gate Bridge” is stored in the memory 43. In addition, other image tags 44 that are particularly relevant to the object being photographed may also be saved as part of the image file (eg, title, designer, year of construction, etc.). These image metadata tags may be stored along with conventional image data 45. If the same photographer is now rotated 180 degrees facing east and another photograph is taken, the called photo setup descriptor may have the subject title “Treasure Island”. The user does not need to input these manually, and the metadata stored together with the image file is automatically changed by simply pointing the camera at the object to be photographed.

  Information from the photo setup descriptor is sent from the photographer's guidance system to the DSLR via the DSLR interface so that the file writing system applies the data field to the image file according to the IPTC style metadata. In this way, automated object labeling is applied to the captured image. This scheme is not limited to target titles. Rather, much information may be applied in the same way and associated with the image file during exposure. Anything that can be stored as part of the photo setup descriptor can eventually be attached as an image because the photographer's guidance system recalls the photo setup descriptor and all its associated data. Thus, in this case, the image tag includes more details related to any image captured if the step of calling the photo setup descriptor precedes image capture. As described herein, the step of invoking this photo setup descriptor can be manually or alternatively combined by the photographer selecting from multiple photo setup descriptors in the photo setup result set. May be caused by an automatic response that occurs upon a change in system position and / or attitude that is dynamically measured in real time.

  FIG. 5 illustrates another important aspect of the photographer guidance system 51. The camera setting data set 53 is sent to the DSLR (camera) 54 by the DSLR interface 52. The DSLR can adjust the physical operating state of the camera according to the data included in the received data package. For example, the called photo setup descriptor may include a specification for a particular shutter speed. As part of the camera setting data set, a value related to the shutter speed is sent to the DSLR. The camera responds to reception of the camera setting package by setting the shutter speed in accordance with the camera setting package including the shutter speed value. That is, the next exposure can be performed according to the shutter speed described in advance in the camera setting data set.

  Similarly, among other camera settings, aperture values, white balance, zoom state (magnification), and focus parameters may be sent to the DSLR from the recalled photo setup descriptor. The photo setup descriptor may be one selected from a plurality provided to the user, automatically generated in response to a change in position / posture, or a combination thereof. May be. In practice, any setting possible in the camera may thus be changed in response to receiving the camera setting data set.

  For the most complete understanding of such photographer guidance systems, their operation and function, several important images based on examples are developed and presented below. The following description with reference to the images of FIGS. 6-11 is given to clarify the performance of the system in several important scenarios.

  In one important case, a photographer's guidance system in accordance with the present teachings is one that responds to the subject being photographed, determined via a viewpoint (position and orientation) and catalog (a library of photo setup descriptors). Including. A shutter program is involved when it is determined that the object contains a moving element (water). To provide the user with different photography possibilities, three individual photo examples in the pre-stored images have different shutter speeds for user review on the display interface. Provided as part of the setup descriptor. Falling water may appear as if it is frozen, for example as in the image in FIG. 6A, by performing photographic exposure with a high shutter speed. A subtle motion effect is realized with a slower shutter speed to produce an image as in FIG. 6B. Finally, FIG. 6C shows how a slow shutter speed makes the image have very blurry water. It is necessary to balance other camera conditions, i.e. aperture and / or image detector sensitivity (ISO), to properly expose these photos. In certain circumstances, manipulation of exposure with two inversely proportional exposure parameters (aperture and shutter speed) can produce the desired effect of giving a highly visible appearance due to object movement. In order to balance the exposure, the f-stop (opening) may be selected as a very large number, for example 16, 32, and the camera ISO may be reduced. Thus, the shutter speed can be slowed, i.e. the exposure time is increased, for example on the order of 0.5 seconds.

  One specific example that works properly relates to image objects containing moving water. The guidance system detects that the selected object contains moving water (eg, falling water in FIG. 6) or, in that case, the art suggests exposure parameters to reach a slow shutter speed. Adjustments may be included.

For any particular selected image, an exposure setting proposal may be presented in the user interface with a photo setup descriptor that includes a sample image. Exposure setting suggestions may include, for example, ISO, aperture and shutter speed as follows:
ISO100
Opening-F32
Shutter speed-1/3 second.

  The settings may be set manually or, rather, the “accept” control of the control module may be switched to automatically set the camera settings according to the suggestions. Then, exposure is performed at the will of the photographer by pressing the shutter release button.

  As part of the user interface, the proposed shot may include an example of an image that gives the photographer an opportunity to preview the scene to better predict what is likely to be the result of the settings applied. All the descriptor set groups in the result set may all be combined by a common object, each having an example of an image that can be continuously scrolled to help the user select.

  In one important example of such a device, a photography lesson includes proposed composition alternatives. From a single viewpoint, that is, a viewpoint that is very similar in position and orientation compared to the first reference viewpoint, it is possible to reach a very different picture. The composition of the photo can be completely different by slightly changing the position and orientation.

  To teach the photographer an alternative to composition, the device of the system operating in one “photography lesson” mode can present an example of a photo change associated with a particular shooting advantage. . That is, the user first selects a point that is of particular interest and that is advantageous for shooting. This is an advantageous point that is part of a guided tour that includes multiple similar photography suggestions on cooperative nature. Upon arrival at the actual location, the device detects this condition and gives a response. When the device operates in “Lesson / Composition” mode, the response is to present a set of images taken at or near the current location on the display user interface. Each of the presented images represents an alternative view of substantially the same object. An unskilled photographer cannot, of course, intuitively see these possible compositions. However, during playback of these example compositions, the user selects one particular photo as most interested and uses it to achieve a similar or the same composition before performing the actual exposure. It may be used as a guide to readjust the actual shooting viewpoint. In this way, the inexperienced photographer is introduced with a skilled composition that tends to teach beginners how to reach a better photo. The proposed photographic composition reaches the user interface for review in response to the device determining the current position and orientation of the system. Of course, a database large enough to store all such compositional images associated with them all possible shooting locations on the planet is not possible, and nevertheless such images are of various interests. Providing a database of images to be associated with important tourist and shooting locations with composition remains a mere engineering exercise.

  Examples are shown below. For the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington DC, a spot that is advantageous for shooting near the edge of a particular wall may be included as part of a photography tour of the capital of Japan. Upon arrival at the recommended shooting location defined in the photography tour, the system enters a “lesson / composition” mode. When the mode is activated, the images associated with a particular shooting location and stored in memory are played or presented as an alternative set of composition possibilities. For example, the image of FIG. 7A represents a refined composition that includes strong vertical and horizontal lines and surrounding park views in the image. This image is learned by the user, and attempts to duplicate it require only minor adjustments to the exact position and angle of the camera from where the camera and photographer are already located.

  If the image of FIG. 7A is not of interest to the photographer or is not satisfactory, the image of FIG. 7 may be present. The presentation image displayed on the device by automated slide show presentation of multiple images, or alternatively by manual thumbwheel scrolling, is represented in FIG. May be changed. This shot includes sophisticated reflections and strong radial lines. It is taken from approximately the same viewpoint, and the user can easily find this composition simply by fine-tuning the camera position and angle from the user's current position.

  Thus, the photography lesson of such a system includes a device that operates in a “composition suggestion” mode. A pre-recorded image database reproduces the image set in response to the instantaneous position and orientation relative to the device. These image sets include a plurality of images having a common associated viewpoint but different compositions.

  The photographer's guidance system in this application proposes a photograph and includes a photograph containing details of the photograph based on the instantaneous location of the system, either by detection by the positioning means or by declaration as manual input to the device. May be arranged to lead to certain parameters. In one special case, such a photographer's guidance system can suggest an exposure setting based on sidereal time. That is, the well-known periodic motion of the universe may be the basis from which specific photographer guidance systems can present possible exposure scenarios.

  In one example case, the user can put the system in “Luna mode”. This mode causes the system to recall various images from the database, including images of the moon. From the presented image, the user selects one of particular interest. The system then responds by instructing the user to go to a point or point of view that is advantageous for clear shooting and to go there at a predetermined time. At the proposed time, the moon is in the proper position as seen in the image (or preferably close to that position). Furthermore, other elements to be photographed appear to appear in the image selected by the user. Thus, in response to the user's location and time, such a photographer's guidance system can guide the photographer with care to be composed of the month in which the image rises. This is possible because a simple computer algorithm can always predict the position of the moon relative to objects on the horizon. Of course, photographers in Washington DC during the new moon are not offered a solution because the new moon is not necessarily such a subject of interest. A photographer who is there during the full moon receives guidance on a specific location with a good placement with other objects on which the moon was intended, and also on a specific time.

  8A-C represent several important photographs including the full moon along with other important Washington DC landmarks. These photos may be presented to the system user during the day, just prior to a stunning moonrise event on the US Congress. Upon selection of one of the images, the system gives the user a set of shooting parameters including the location and time at which the same exposure can be made. The user photographer can go to a specified location before a specified time to prepare for shooting. For example, a photographer may desire to install a camera on a fixing mechanism such as a tripod. When that moment comes, exposure is done so that the captured image is very close to the image reproduced from the database. While expert observers may note that the moon moves around on the horizon throughout the year, the viewpoint adjustment is preferably made to accommodate or at least approximate the placement selected from the preview image.

  FIG. 8A shows the moonrise in Washington DC, where the moon is in the exact position between Congress and the Washington Monument. In order to achieve this, the guidance system suggests a point and date (and more precisely the date) for shooting, and the system achieves an appropriate relative size between near and far objects. You may specify the lens magnification.

  FIG. 8B shows the same image taken from the same advantageous point. At this point, however, the moon has risen several degrees and is higher in the sky. If this image is desired and selected by the user, a later shooting time is specified by the computer in response to the user selecting this image from the library.

  FIG. 8C is a further identical image of the moon with Congress building, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. However, the view has changed. Compared to FIG. 8A, the moon is at the same height in the sky, but the arrangement of the monuments is different. Thus, when the user selects this from the provided images, the computer directs the photographer to a different shooting position or viewpoint.

  In each snapshot, important elements include a date and time designation that captures the full moon when the moon appears. Photographers who did not have the advantages of the present invention taught in this application had taken into account the time of the moonrise, but this was due to the reference and careful planning of external sources such as moon charts. It was a manual step that needed. Furthermore, it is difficult or impossible to produce some preview of the snapshot that is taken, at least a manual step. In contrast, if the user happens to be in Washington, DC on the day when the full moon occurs, the photographer's guidance system of the present disclosure provides a possible possible snapshot in response to this condition. Upon selection from those shots, the system responds by providing shooting details such as location, attitude, time and camera settings / status.

  In yet another important example of a structure that allows such a photographer guidance system to provide superior image setup parameters, a system that responds to an Internet weather service provides the photos of FIGS. 9A and 9B. Reference is made to this application.

  Some preferred examples of such systems are suitably coupled to the Internet so that they can periodically invoke services on the web, such as a weather forecast service. Information received in such Internet calls can affect the method and content provided as the proposed photography possibilities.

  In one represented example, a photographer guidance system makes an automated electronic call to an Internet web service that provides a weather forecast. That is, details regarding past, present and future weather conditions can be retrieved from an appropriate forecasting service. If certain predetermined conditions exist, the system can propose specific images in response to these conditions (or expected conditions). That is, the photographer's request for shooting suggestions may be influenced by information available on the Internet, so that the resulting result set depends on the information so received.

  Of particular interest among such exposure suggestions are those resulting from sunshine after a rainy period. When the system's internet call returns a weather forecast characterized as rain followed by sunshine, the system presents an example of an image containing an image with stunning reflections on the display surface of the system. Since the database is pre-populated with data to support the photography tours and photography lessons described herein, the database is known for locations that tend to produce large and persistent puddles. If the weather conditions are appropriate for the situation, the photographer's guidance system provides a proposed image that includes an image having a weather related characteristic that matches the characteristic associated with the current weather. For example, the puddle is often left behind after a storm, creating a stunning reflection that is artistically useful in photography, so the system will show a puddle with significant landmark reflections in response to receiving an online weather forecast Proposed images can be given. The database consists of an image library containing images of puddles that provide extraordinary reflections as is well known. These images are provided after the storm, and the user can select among them to receive guidance to a location near the puddle where image exposure can take place. In the example image of FIG. 9A, the Jefferson Memorial is reflected in the foreground where the puddle is reflected. Since similar puddles can form during each storm, the system can easily predict that such an image will be generated every time sufficient storm passes. When the user selects an image, the system can provide a location of a point that is advantageous for shooting and guide the photographer there. A similarly known location (Figure 9B), such as a slightly wet flat sidewalk, favors sophisticated photography where great photo exposure takes place as part of a directed photography tour or lesson guide To provide a special point.

  The photographer guidance system taught herein may respond to both weather conditions and dates. FIGS. 10A and 10B present examples of images (sunset photos) that are popular with amateur photographers. If a thousand clouds are known to be in the sky (known by automatic calls to the weather forecast service) and the sunset is approaching according to star time and location considerations, the system will A set of images with a stunning sunset (a result set with multiple photo setup descriptors) can be proposed.

  Some examples of such photographer guidance systems also respond to time on a larger scale. That is, the system may be arranged to provide shooting suggestions related to the season. When a user visits Washington DC during a cherry blossom bloom that occurs at a particular time, the image provided as a proposed snapshot may include the images of FIGS. 11A and 11B. The landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial (FIG. 11A) and the Washington Monument (FIG. 11B), each have a blossoming cherry tree and have been photographed extensively by wonderful artists. As such, these images may be stored in a database and associated with a particular shooting viewpoint or advantageous point. If the system is called at the correct time, it can respond by presenting potentially interesting images of Washington DC landmarks in relation to the cherry blossoms. Since cherry blossoms do not move appreciably year by year, moreover, cherry blossoms bloom at certain times, so the system confidently shoots wonderful compositions with beautifully blooming trees and favorite landmarks It is possible to propose a spot that is advantageous for excellent shooting. Thus, the system responds not only to the image object (ie, falling water, composition change), but also to time, weather, season, etc.

  The above examples are directed to examples representing preferred forms of the apparatus and method of the present invention. For the sake of completeness, a more general description of the apparatus and the elements and methods that make up such a device and the steps that make up such a method is given below.

  By now it will be clear how a photographer guidance system based on customized processing and stored information that operates to generate the proposed image can be implemented. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail using clear and concise language and with reference to certain preferred embodiments, including the best mode contemplated by the inventors, other variations are possible. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited by the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein, but rather is defined by the appended claims.

1, 21, 31, 41, 51 Guidance system 2 for photographer Program computer 3, 28 Application specific code 4, 24, 35 Position determining means (GPS)
5 Photo Setup Library 6 Photo Setup Descriptor 7, 25 Query Engine 8 Result Set 9 Display 10 Image 11 Control Module 12 Key Switch 13 Thumbwheel 22, 42, 54 DSLR System (Camera)
23, 37, 43, 52 DSLR interface 26 Schema / preparation data 27 Photo setup descriptor 32 Wireless communication link 33 Internet 34 Photo setup library (server)
36 Compass 38 Bluetooth communication link 43 Image memory 44 Image tag 45 Image data 53 Camera setting data set

Claims (21)

An electrophotographic photographer guidance system,
A program computer;
Photo setup library,
An interactive control module;
A display type user interface, and
The photo setup library is coupled to the program computer, whereby a stored photo setup descriptor is called up and presented in the display type user interface, and the called photo setup descriptor is A guidance system that characterizes and expresses the shooting status of photo opportunities.   The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the program computer has application specific code arranged to manage a photography tour.   The guidance system of claim 2, wherein the photography tour is characterized as a series of photo setup descriptor presentations in a logical manner.   The guidance system of claim 3, wherein the logical method comprises an ordered spatial plan.   The guidance system according to claim 3, wherein the logical method includes a plurality of shooting advantageous locations all connected by a common landmark in a walking tour.   The guidance system according to claim 4, wherein the ordered spatial plan is any one of a group including a city bus route, a map, a subway route, and a city tour.   The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the program computer has application specific code arranged to manage photography lessons.   The guidance system of claim 7, wherein the photography lesson is characterized as an exploration of variable camera settings.   9. The guidance system of claim 8, having a camera setting characterized as a shutter speed.   9. A guidance system according to claim 8, having a camera setting characterized as an aperture.   The guidance system of claim 7, wherein the photography lesson is characterized as a shooting angle lesson.   The guidance system according to claim 11, wherein the shooting angle is optimized for a reflected image.   The guidance system of claim 11, wherein the shooting angle is optimized for compositional alternatives.   The guidance system of claim 1, further comprising a query engine coupled to the position determining means, whereby the photo setup descriptor that is invoked depends on the current position of the device.   The guidance system of claim 1, further comprising an interrogation engine coupled to the star clock, whereby the photo setup descriptor that is invoked depends on the position of the universe.   The guidance system according to claim 15, wherein the universe more specifically includes the moon and the sun.   The guidance system of claim 1, further comprising a query engine coupled to the calendar, whereby the photo setup descriptor that is invoked is time dependent.   The guidance system of claim 17, wherein the time period is further characterized as spring, summer, autumn, winter, and the like.   The guidance system of claim 1 further comprising a control module comprising a tactile input system.   The guidance system of claim 19, wherein the tactile input system comprises any of a group comprising a thumbwheel, a key switch, a button, and a touch screen.   The guidance system of claim 19, wherein the tactile input system is used to interact with a result set of a plurality of photo setup descriptors presented at the user interface.