Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates generally to the area of capturing of images using a digital
camera and to a digital camera having a burst mode capability to capture plurality of images
in succession in response to a single image capture command
Background of the Invention:
With the advent of digital photography, a person can now just capture an image with a digital
camera and look at the image thus captured immediately. In case the user does not like the
picture, one or more images can be captured.
In the existing solution, image capture devices such as digital camera (which may be either
standalone or incorporated in a yet another device such as mobile phone or a tablet, or a
handheld device, etc.) supports a lot of camera setting parameters which can be varied to
generate a huge number of images. A user is provided with the option of setting one or more
camera setting parameter as per the needs while capturing an image. However, to do so, the
user has to go through the setting menu repeatedly to change the value of each setting and
then capture the image.
The user can look at the image thus captured immediately and in case he or she is unsatisfied,
can change the setting and capture one or more further images as per the revised settings.
More particularly, in case he or she is unsatisfied and wishes to change the setting, for each
setting change, six actions are needed to be performed by the user, namely:
1. Go to camera settings;
2. Scroll through the setting;
3. Select the required value of that setting;
4. Return to camera preview screen;
5. Capture image with that setting; and
6. Review the captured image.
Performing the above actions is time consuming and repeated performance of the above
actions is cumbersome task and can adversely affect the user experience. In light of the
above, there is need in the art to cater to the above problem.
Summary of the Invention:
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This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are
further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to
identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended
for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Accordingly, the present invention provides for a method of capturing images comprising
capturing multiple images in response to a burst mode capture event, wherein each of the
multiple images is captured by applying a plurality of profiles as stored in the digital camera.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of
controlling a digital camera comprising associating a first profile with a burst mode of
operation, the first profile having one or more parameters with each parameter having a
parameter value, and associating at least one further profile with a burst mode of operation,
the said at least one further profile having one or more parameters with each parameter
having a parameter value.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of
presenting plurality of captured images. Based on the presentation of the plurality of images,
the user can organize the captured image, by example including deleting one or more of the
presented images or storing one or more of the presented images. The method of presenting
can comprise associating each of the plurality of image with a profile as applied during
capturing; and presenting the plurality of images along with the details of the profile.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a digital
camera, comprising an image capturing block for capturing an image, a storage device for
storing a plurality of profiles, and a processing block. The processing block is configured to
detecting activation of a burst mode; retrieving a plurality of profiles from the storage device;
and controlling the image capturing block for capturing a plurality of images in succession in
response to a single image capture command, wherein the plurality of images are captured by
applying the plurality of profiles thus retrieved.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a digital camera,
comprising an image capturing block for capturing an image, a storage device for storing a
first profile and at least one further profile, the first profile having one or more parameters
with each parameter having a parameter value plurality of profiles and said at least one
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further profile having one or more parameters with each parameter having a parameter value;
and a processor for associating the first profile and said at least one further profile with the
burst mode of operation of the image capturing block.
In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, there is provided a digital camera, comprising
a processor for associating each of the plurality of images with a profile as applied during
capturing; and a display unit for presenting the plurality of images along with the details of
the profile.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular
description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof,
which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only
typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail
with the accompanying figures.
Brief Description of Figures:
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better
understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the
accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures,
wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of a method of capturing images in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of capturing images in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of controlling a digital camera in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of presenting plurality of captured images in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of a digital camera in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a screen shot of a user selecting a burst mode for capturing of images in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a snap shot of the stored profiles in accordance with an example of the
invention;
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Figure 8 illustrates a set of images which are taken by the digital camera by applying the set
of profiles in accordance with an example of the invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a screen shot of a manual editing process for associating a plurality of
stored profiles with the burst mode in accordance with an example of the invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a screen shot of a manual selection process of the profiles for association
with the burst mode of operation in accordance with the example of figure 9;
Figure 11 illustrates a screen shot of a system assisted selection process for association of a
plurality of profiles with the burst mode of operation on basis of a parameter;
Figure 12 illustrates a screen shot of a smart-suggest mode for association of a plurality of
profiles with the burst mode of operation in accordance with an example of the invention;
Figure 13 illustrates presenting of the plurality of captured images in accordance with an
example of the invention;
Figure 14 illustrates presenting of the plurality of captured images in accordance with another
example of the invention;
Figure 15 illustrates a scenario of associating the profiles to the burst mode using various
types of devices and storing of the associated profile at different locations.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for
simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow
charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve
understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction
of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the
figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that
are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure
the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having
benefit of the description herein.
Detailed Description:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference
will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be
used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein
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being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not
intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not
include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such
process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or
components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or
additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying figures.
A burst mode is one of the image capturing modes provided in a conventional digital camera
wherein a user may capture two or more images in succession, on invocation of the image
capturing command in the digital camera. Now referring to figure 1, there is provided a
method (100) of capturing images, said method comprising the steps of detecting (101)
activation of a burst mode; retrieving (102) a plurality of profiles; and capturing (103) a
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plurality of images in succession in response to a single image capture command, wherein the
plurality of images are captured by applying the plurality of profiles thus retrieved.
In one embodiment, a number of images captured in response to the single image capture
command is equal to a number of profiles thus retrieved. In particular, in response to the
single image capture command, a first profile is applied while capturing a first image and a
“Nth” profile is applied while capturing a “Nth” image. In an embodiment, each profile
comprises one or more parameters, each parameter having a parameter value or level.
The method as illustrated in figure 1 can be supplemented with additional steps as illustrated
in figure 2.
Now referring to figure 2, the step of retrieving (102) comprises in one embodiment selecting
(201) a plurality of profiles from a set comprising one or more pre-set profiles. In one
embodiment, the set comprises one or more automatically suggested profiles. In another
embodiment, the number of profiles thus retrieved is equal to or less than a number of
profiles in the set.
In one embodiment, the method (200) may further comprise receiving (202) details of a
parameter that is to be varied during capturing of the plurality of images. In case details of
parameter that is to be varied during capturing is received, the step of retrieving (102)
comprises selecting (203) a plurality of profiles from a set comprising one or more pre-set
profiles in accordance with the details of the parameter thus received.
In another embodiment, the method (200) may further comprise receiving (204) an extent to
which a value corresponding to the parameter is to be varied during capturing of the plurality
of images. In case an extent to which a value corresponding to the parameter is to be varied
during capturing is received, the step of retrieving (102) comprises selecting (205) a plurality
of profiles from a set comprising one or more pre-set profiles in accordance with the extent to
which that parameter is to be varied during capturing of the plurality of images.
Now referring to figure 3, there is illustrated a method (300) of controlling a digital camera,
said method comprising the steps of associating (301) a first profile with a burst mode of
operation, the first profile having one or more parameters with each parameter having a
parameter value; and associating (302) at least one further profile with a burst mode of
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operation, the said at least one further profile having one or more parameters with each
parameter having a parameter value.
In an embodiment of the invention, one or more of the first profile or the at least one further
profile is a native profile. In another embodiment, one or more of the first profile or the at
least one further profile is a user defined profile.
In a specific implementation, a user defined profile is generated by receiving a selection
corresponding to a reconfigurable profile; receiving a selection of at least one parameter
corresponding to the reconfigurable profile; receiving at least one parameter value
corresponding to the selected at least one parameter; and storing the reconfigurable profile
along with the at least one selected parameter and at least one parameter value corresponding
to the selected at least one parameter as user defined profile.
In an embodiment of the invention, associating the first profile or the at least one further
profile is based on:
a. user selection of the profile;
b. an automatic discovery and association process; or
c. an semi-automatic association process that is based on:
i. user input in relation to details of a parameter that is to be varied during capturing
of the plurality of images; or
ii. user input in relation to an extent to which a value corresponding to the parameter
is to be varied during capturing of the plurality of images.
Referring to figure 4, there is further provided a method (400) of presenting plurality of
captured images, said method comprising the steps of associating (401) each of the plurality
of image with a profile as applied during capturing and presenting (402) the plurality of
images along with the details of the profile. As mentioned above, each of the plurality of
images is captured in one or more burst modes.
In an embodiment, the step of presenting comprises grouping the plurality of images based on
the profile and presenting the plurality of images in groups based on the profile (403).
In another embodiment, the step of presenting comprises rendering thumbnail view of the
plurality of images. In case the rendering is of the thumbnail view, this may further comprise
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receiving a selection on a thumbnail view of an image and rendering a preview image of the
selected image (404).
Referring to figure 5, in terms of the device construction, the digital camera (500) comprises
an image capturing block (501) for capturing an image, a storage device (502) for storing a
plurality of profiles; and a processing block (503). In one embodiment, the processing block
is adapted to detect activation of a burst mode; retrieve a plurality of profiles from the storage
device; and control the image capturing block for capturing a plurality of images in
succession in response to a single image capture command, wherein the plurality of images
are captured by applying the plurality of profiles thus retrieved.
In another embodiment, the storage device is adapted to store a first profile and at least one
further profile, the first profile having one or more parameters with each parameter having a
parameter value plurality of profiles and said at least one further profile having one or more
parameters with each parameter having a parameter value; and the processor is adapted to
associate the first profile and said at least one further profile with the burst mode of operation
of the image capturing block.
In still another embodiment, the processor is adapted to associate each of the plurality of
images with a profile as applied during capturing. The digital camera may further comprise a
display unit (504) for presenting the plurality of images along with the details of the profile.
In the following paragraphs different types of implementations are described along with
reference to the corresponding figures.
The different implementations being described herein after are merely for illustration
purposes and the same should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.
Now referring to figure 6, there is illustrated a screen shot of a user selecting a burst mode
(604) from the list of shooting modes 601-604 for capturing of images. Assuming that there
are five profiles which are stored as shown in figure 7, the five profiles are retrieved. Each
profile comprises one or more parameters and each parameter is having a parameter value or
level associated thereto. Once image capture command is received, the digital camera is
operated in a burst mode and five images are captured in succession. As illustrated in figure
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8, while capturing these five images, the five profiles as retrieved are correspondingly applied
to these five images.
In the above example, the user has stored five profiles and all the five profiles are retrieved.
Thus, the number of profiles thus retrieved is equal to a number of profiles in the set as
stored.
In an alternative, while there are five profiles stored in the set, the user can manually select a
few of them. The manually editing can be done by selecting the “edit” option (901) as shown
in Figure 9. Once the manual edit option is selected, the user can select one or more of the
stored profiles (1001 to 1005) for association with the burst mode of operation as shown in
figure 10. In case the user selects Profile 1, 3 and 5, then in response to the single image
capture command Profiles 1, 3 and 5 are retrieved and 3 images are captured by applying the
3 selected profiles.
In yet another alternative, as shown in figure 11, instead of manually selecting the profiles for
association with the burst mode of operation, the user can simply specify the parameter (1101
to 1106) on the basis of which the profiles have to be selected. By way of example, in case
the user specifies “Effect” as the parameter, then Profiles 2 to 5 will be selected in order to
show different effects associated with Profiles 2 to 5. In this case, Profile 1 may be excluded
because the Parameter Value for Effect corresponding to Profile 1 is “None”. Alternatively,
any other logical selection may be used. In one option, the selected profiles may be presented
to the user and a selection may be sought. In another option, the selected profile will be
automatically associated with the burst mode of operation.
Although not illustrated, in still another alternative, the user can specify a parameter and a
threshold value in respect of the parameter on the basis of which the profiles have to be
selected. By way of example, in case the user specifies “Brightness” as the parameter and the
threshold level as “4”, then Profiles 1 and 3 to 5 will be selected. In one option, the selected
profiles may be presented to the user and a selection may be sought. In another option, the
selected profile will be automatically associated with the burst mode of operation.
Although not illustrated, in still another alternative, the user can specify a parameter and an
extent of variation between the selected profiles in respect of selected parameter. In case the
user specifies the extent of variation as less, profiles in which the selected parameter has less
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variation will be selected. On the other hand, if the user specifies the extent of variation as
high, profiles in which the selected parameter has high variation will be selected. In one
option, the selected profiles may be presented to the user and a selection may be sought. In
another option, the selected profile will be automatically associated with the burst mode of
operation.
Although not illustrated, in still another alternative, the user can simply specify an
environmental condition (for example low light condition or bright light condition) and on
the basis of the same the profiles would be automatically selected. In one option, the selected
profiles may be presented to the user and a selection may be sought. In another option, the
selected profile will be automatically associated with the burst mode of operation.
In one embodiment, there can be presented a smart-suggest option (1201) as illustrated in
figure 12. In response to selection of the smart-suggest option, the method may be configured
to automatically suggest one or more profiles to the user for association with the burst mode
of operation. In the illustrated example, the method automatically recommends Profile 2 and
Profile 5 for association with the burst mode of operation. In one embodiment, the smartsuggest
mode can take into consideration the user’s preference (as may be derivable from
historic data) or environment condition (as may be sensed) or any other parameter for
providing the suggestions to the user. In an option, the recommended profiles may be
automatically associated with the burst mode of operation.
In terms of presenting the plurality of captured images, as mentioned above with reference to
figure 4, the plurality of images are presented along with the details of the profile. Now
considering figure 13, if we consider the direction illustrated by the arrows 1301 or 1302 or
1303, it can be seen that the plurality of images which were captured in response to a single
capture command and which pertain to different profiles are rendered along with the details
of the profile.
If we consider the direction illustrated by the arrows 1304 or 1305 or 1306, it can be seen that
the plurality of images which were captured in response to different capture commands are
grouped based on the profile and presented to the user.
Now referring to figure 14, there is provided a thumbnail view portion (1401) rendering
thumbnail views of the plurality of images along with the details of the profile. There is
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further provided a preview area (1402). In response to detecting selection (1403) of any
particular image from the thumbnail view portion, the preview area is populated with a
preview image (1404) of the selected image.
As illustrated in figure 15, User actions or inputs for profiles/ burst mode can be performed
on same device (1501) or through remote (1502) or through wearable device (1503) or
through social networking site (1504). Profiles can be saved on the social networking site
(1504) or server (1505) and can be fetched based on demand and need.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on
account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various
working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive
concept as taught herein.
The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a
single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple
functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the
manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be
implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.
Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the
other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences
in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at
least as broad as given by the following claims.

We Claim:
1. A method of capturing images, said method comprising the steps of:
a. detecting activation of a burst mode;
b. retrieving a plurality of profiles;
c. capturing a plurality of images in succession in response to a single image
capture command, wherein the plurality of images are captured by applying
the plurality of profiles thus retrieved.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein retrieving comprises selecting a plurality
of profiles from a set comprising one or more pre-set profiles.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set further comprises one or more
automatically suggested profiles.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the number of profiles thus retrieved is
equal to or less than a number of profiles in the set.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a number of images captured in response
to the single image capture command is equal to a number of profiles thus retrieved.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in response to the single image capture
command, a first profile is applied while capturing a first image and a “Nth” profile is
applied while capturing a “Nth” image.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each profile comprises one or more
parameters, each parameter having a parameter value or level.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising receiving details of a parameter
that is to be varied during capturing of the plurality of images.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein retrieving comprises selecting a plurality
of profiles from a set comprising one or more pre-set profiles in accordance with the
details of the parameter thus received.
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10. The method as claimed in claim 8 further comprising receiving an extent to which a
value corresponding to the parameter is to be varied during capturing of the plurality
of images.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein retrieving comprises selecting a plurality
of profiles from a set comprising one or more pre-set profiles in accordance with the
extent to which that parameter is to be varied during capturing of the plurality of
images.
12. A method of controlling a digital camera, said method comprising the steps of:
a. associating a first profile with a burst mode of operation, the first profile
having one or more parameters with each parameter having a parameter value;
and
b. associating at least one further profile with a burst mode of operation, the said
at least one further profile having one or more parameters with each parameter
having a parameter value.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein one or more of the first profile or the at
least one further profile is a native profile.
14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein one or more of the first profile or the at
least one further profile is a user defined profile.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein a user defined profile is generated by:
a. receiving a selection corresponding to a reconfigurable profile;
b. receiving a selection of at least one parameter corresponding to the
reconfigurable profile;
c. receiving at least one parameter value corresponding to the selected at least
one parameter; and
d. storing the reconfigurable profile along with the at least one selected
parameter and at least one parameter value corresponding to the selected at
least one parameter as user defined profile.
16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein associating the first profile or the at least
one further profile is based on:
a. user selection of the profile;
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b. an automatic discovery and association process; or
c. an semi-automatic association process that is based on:
i. user input in relation to details of a parameter that is to be varied
during capturing of the plurality of images; or
ii. user input in relation to an extent to which a value corresponding to the
parameter is to be varied during capturing of the plurality of images.
17. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein associating the first profile and/or the
second profile with a burst mode of operation is performed on same device or through
remote device or through wearable device or through social networking site.
18. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the association of the first profile and/or
the second profile with a burst mode of operation is saved on the same device.
19. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the association of the first profile and/or
the second profile with a burst mode of operation is saved on a social networking site
or a server and is fetched based on demand and need.
20. A method of presenting plurality of captured images, said method comprising the
steps of:
a. associating each of the plurality of image with a profile as applied during
capturing; and
b. presenting the plurality of images along with the details of the profile.
21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of image is captured
in one or more burst modes.
22. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein presenting comprises grouping the
plurality of images based on the profile and presenting the plurality of images in
groups based on the profile.
23. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein presenting comprises rendering
thumbnail view of the plurality of images.
24. The method as claimed in claim 23, further comprising:
a. receiving a selection on a thumbnail view of an image; and
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b. rendering a preview image of the selected image.
25. A digital camera, comprising:
an image capturing block for capturing an image;
a storage device for storing a plurality of profiles; and
a processing block configured to:
 detecting activation of a burst mode;
 retrieving a plurality of profiles from the storage device; and
 controlling the image capturing block for capturing a plurality of images in
succession in response to a single image capture command, wherein the plurality
of images are captured by applying the plurality of profiles thus retrieved.
26. A digital camera, comprising:
an image capturing block for capturing an image;
a storage device for storing a first profile and at least one further profile, the first
profile having one or more parameters with each parameter having a parameter value
plurality of profiles and said at least one further profile having one or more
parameters with each parameter having a parameter value; and
a processor for associating the first profile and said at least one further profile with the
burst mode of operation of the image capturing block.
27. A digital camera, comprising:
a processor for associating each of the plurality of image with a profile as applied
during capturing; and
a display unit for presenting the plurality of images along with the details of the
profile.