Digital Camera Audio Capture Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras lack automatic audio capture capabilities that are tailored to specific image capture modes and conditions, limiting their usefulness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with an integrated audio capture system, a user input system, and a controller that allows for automatic audio capture in association with image capture, with customizable sampling patterns and modes based on selected image capture settings, enabling efficient audio-image synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional digital cameras provide audio capture capabilities only in video mode or no audio capture at all, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system integrates audio capture functionality across multiple operating modes (video, time-lapse, panorama, burst, still image), allowing the same hardware components to serve diverse functions. The audio input transducer and processing circuitry are incorporated into the existing camera architecture, enabling universal audio capture capability without requiring separate dedicated devices for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically determines whether to capture audio and selects appropriate audio capture characteristics based on the currently active image capture mode, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. The system self-adapts by monitoring its own operational state and autonomously adjusting audio capture parameters to match the active mode requirements.
2Productivity
If manual audio capture control is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines whether to capture audio and selects appropriate audio capture characteristics based on the currently active image capture mode, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. The system self-adapts by monitoring its own operational state and autonomously adjusting audio capture parameters to match the active mode requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the active image capture mode and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust audio capture characteristics. The controller receives information about the current operating mode and automatically configures audio sampling parameters, capture duration, and activation timing based on real-time mode detection, creating a closed-loop adaptive system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio capture is enabled in all modes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of energy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The audio capture system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the active image capture mode. The controller enables audio capture only when the current mode requires it, and disables it when not needed. This dynamic on/off switching and parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain adaptability across different modes while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous audio processing in modes where it is unnecessary.
4Productivity
If automatic audio capture is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines whether to capture audio and selects appropriate audio capture characteristics based on the currently active image capture mode, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. The system self-adapts by monitoring its own operational state and autonomously adjusting audio capture parameters to match the active mode requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio capture control functionality is merged with the existing image capture mode control architecture. The same controller that manages image capture parameters also manages audio capture parameters, and the mode selection signals are reused to trigger appropriate audio capture characteristics. This consolidation avoids creating a separate complex control system while achieving automatic audio capture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless and context-specific audio capture during image capture, enhancing the functionality of digital cameras by automatically determining audio capture characteristics and sampling patterns based on selected modes, thus improving the user experience and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system for focusing light onto an image capture sensor
Implementation Method 2
image forming circuitry adapted to cooperate with the image capture sensor to convert the light focused onto the image capture sensor into an electronic image
Implementation Method 3
an audio capture system having a transducer and audio processing circuitry adapted to cooperate to convert a pattern of sonic energy incident upon the transducer into an electronic audio signal representing the pattern of sonic energy
Data Source
AI summary
Image capture methods and devices are provided. The image capture device including: an image capture system; an audio capture system; a user input system having a manual mode selection input, said user input system generating a mode selection signal indicating a setting of the mode selection input from among a plurality of settings; and a controller adapted to cause the image capture unit to capture at least one image and further adapted to cause the audio capture system to capture an audio signal within an audio capture time frame beginning at a start time and ending at an end time with said controller further adapted to associate the captured image with the electronic audio signal; wherein said controller determines at least one of the start time and the end time determined based upon the mode selection.