Camera Body Tube Retraction via Image Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Digital photographing apparatuses, such as cameras, face damage risks when dropped due to the lens and body tube exposure, as existing mechanisms lack effective protection against sudden impacts or abnormal states detected through image analysis.

Innovation Solution

A digital photographing apparatus equipped with an image analyzer that compares consecutive live preview images to determine abnormal states based on motion vectors, image variations, brightness differences, and color changes, triggering a body tube controller to retract the extended body tube to prevent damage, and automatically extend it once the abnormal state ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the body tube is extended for photographing operations, then the photographing function is improved, but the risk of damage from drops or impacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of consecutive images to detect abnormal states (such as drops or impacts) before damage occurs. When an abnormal state is detected, the body tube driving controller automatically retracts the body tube to a safe position, preventing damage before it can happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The image analyzer continuously monitors image characteristics (motion vectors, brightness changes, color variations) and provides feedback to the body tube driving controller. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of abnormal states and automatic adjustment of the body tube position to prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the body tube is retracted to prevent damage, then protection is improved, but the photographing capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The body tube position is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of abnormal states. The system transitions between extended and retracted positions automatically, allowing the tube to be extended during normal photographing operations and retracted only when drops or impacts are detected, thus maintaining both protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If image analysis is performed continuously to detect abnormal states, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial image analysis by comparing only consecutive images (first and second images) rather than analyzing all images continuously. This partial action approach maintains effective abnormal state detection while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous comprehensive analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8599300B2Digital photographing apparatus and control method

Publication Date: 2013.12.03

AI summary

A digital photographing apparatus such as a digital camera, having a retractable body tube containing a lens assembly, and a method of controlling the same. The digital camera receives an ongoing series of images, analyzes differences between images to determine an abnormal camera condition such as dropping the camera, and automatically retracts the body tube into the camera to protect it from impact.