Camera Eye Approach Sensor Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as digital still cameras, face increased power consumption when a user carries them and accidental power-saving mode activation due to undetected eye approach, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with an eye approach sensor that switches display output between a display unit and an electronic viewfinder based on detected eye proximity, using timers to manage power-saving states and prevent unintended power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eye approach detection is used to prevent power saving activation during use, then power consumption increases when camera is carried around neck or shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two independent detection units: a first detection unit for detecting object approach to the display unit, and a second detection unit for detecting object approach to the eye approach section. This segmentation allows the system to independently evaluate detection results from both units and make informed decisions about power saving activation, preventing false triggering when the camera is carried around the neck or shoulder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring detection results from both detection units and using this information to control power saving activation. The control unit receives feedback from the first detection unit and second detection unit, and adjusts power saving state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power saving is activated only when appropriate, avoiding unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply is blocked after 10 minutes without operation, then power consumption is reduced, but accidental power off occurs when user carries camera without active use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the first detection unit continuously detect object approach to the display unit before the power saving timer expires. When the detection unit detects that an object has approached the display unit, it triggers a reset of the power saving timer, preventing accidental power off. This preliminary detection action ensures that the camera remains operational when carried around the neck or shoulder, while still enabling power saving when truly unused.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes approach detection means (57) detecting approach of an object to an approach section, operation detection means (70) detecting an operation on an operation unit, and control means (50) performing display in a display unit (58) in a finder (16) viewable through a finder section when the approach is detected in a case where a predetermined state in which the operation unit is not operated is continued for less than first and second periods, entering a first state in which the approach is detected but display in the display unit in the finder is not performed, when a nonoperation state of the operation unit is continued for the first period, and entering a second state in which power consumption is smaller than that in the first state, when the predetermined state in which the nonoperation state of the operation unit is continued for the second period.