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GooglePatent applicationCameras & imagingInterest 4/10

Google patents camera mode that auto-straightens photos based on how you hold it

This patent describes a feature that detects when a user is holding a camera in a specific way to take a straight photo. It automatically rotates the preview and final image to ensure the horizon is level, even if the device is tilted.

Why it mattersIt simplifies taking straight photos by removing the need for manual leveling tools, which could be useful for casual photographers.

In the filing’s own words

A method includes inferring a user intent to capture a level image based on user positioning of a camera. Based on the inferred user intent, the method includes causing a viewfinder to enter a level-lock mode, wherein the level-lock mode comprises displaying a preview level image in the viewfinder, wherein the preview level image is rotated based on an orientation of the camera relative to a level orientation. The method further includes receiving a signal indicating to capture an image. Based on the viewfinder being in the level-lock mode, the method includes providing a captured level image, wherein the captured level image is rotated based on the orientation of the camera relative to the level orientation.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method comprising: inferring a user intent to capture a level image based on user positioning of a camera; based on the inferred user intent, causing a viewfinder to enter a level-lock mode, wherein the level-lock mode comprises displaying a preview level image in the viewfinder, wherein the preview level image is rotated based on an orientation of the camera relative to a level orientation; receiving a signal indicating to capture an image; and based on the viewfinder being in the level-lock mode, providing a captured level image, wherein the captured level image is rotated based on the orientation of the camera relative to the level orientation.

Facts

Company
Google (Google LLC)
Official title
Level Lock Mode on Camera
Publication number
US20260281550A1
Application number
19474334
Filed
Apr 13, 2023
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 23/682 Electricity & electronicsH04N 23/632 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.