Digital Camera Display Switching via Ocular Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Digital single-lens reflex cameras with live view mode require frequent manual switching of the movable mirror, which complicates operability and makes it difficult for users to capture images effectively, especially during autofocus and diaphragm adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera with an image pickup element, display portions, a control portion, and a setting portion that allows for automatic switching of displays and autofocus operations, including ocular detection to adjust display settings based on user presence, enabling seamless live view mode operation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching of the movable mirror is implemented in live view mode, then the camera can switch between optical viewfinder and electronic display, but the operability becomes complicated and user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system automatically detects user presence through the ocular detection portion and autonomously switches between optical viewfinder mode and electronic display mode without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring whether the user is observing through the viewfinder and automatically adjusting the movable mirror position and display activation accordingly, thereby resolving the operability complexity while maintaining versatile switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ocular detection portion provides continuous feedback to the control portion about user presence and viewfinder usage state. Based on this feedback, the control portion automatically adjusts the movable mirror position and controls display activation/deactivation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic mode switching that adapts to user behavior, eliminating the need for manual switching operations while preserving full functionality
2Productivity
If the movable mirror is switched frequently during autofocus and diaphragm adjustments, then real-time image display is maintained, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages movable mirror positioning and display activation during autofocus and diaphragm adjustment operations without requiring manual user intervention. The control portion monitors the operation state and autonomously switches modes as needed, allowing real-time image display to be maintained while eliminating the time users would otherwise spend on manual switching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The ocular detection portion continuously monitors user presence in advance, allowing the system to proactively prepare for mode transitions before they are needed. During autofocus and diaphragm operations, the system has already detected user intent and can execute mode switches without delay, maintaining real-time display continuity while preventing time loss associated with reactive manual switching
3Ease of operation
If the movable mirror switching is simplified through automation, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ocular detection portion serves multiple functions: it detects user presence, determines viewfinder usage state, and provides input for automatic mode switching decisions. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors and control logic, thereby improving ease of operation through automation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera of the present invention enables a lens unit to be attachable/detachable with respect thereto. The digital camera of the present invention includes a plurality of display portions, a control portion that causes the plurality of display portions to selectively display the image data generated by the image pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing as a moving image in real time, and a setting portion capable of switching displays of images with respect to the plurality of display portions. After the control portion causes the lens unit to perform an autofocus operation in accordance with setting of the displays of the images with respect to the plurality of display portions by the setting portion, the control portion switches the displays of the images with respect to the plurality of display portions.