Camera Film Mode UI With Restricted Live View and Image Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital cameras with wide-angle lenses fail to display live views, and existing imaging technologies do not replicate the analog experience of film cameras, leading to a lack of user interaction and control.

Innovation Solution

Implement a first imaging mode that restricts digital functions, such as live view output and image storage, and uses a second storage region that does not conform to the DCF standard, mimicking film camera operations by limiting image formats and requiring a winding operation to unlock further imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a wide-angle lens capable of capturing 180 degrees is mounted, then the field of view is improved, but the main subject becomes small and facial expressions cannot be checked in the live view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidfacial expression detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is divided into multiple regions: a first display region showing the wide-angle live view image and a second display region showing a cropped, enlarged portion of the main subject. This segmentation allows users to simultaneously view both the broad field of view and detailed subject information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the display screen provide different image qualities and magnifications. The first display region shows the overall wide-angle scene, while the second display region provides a high-detail, enlarged view of the main subject area, allowing users to check facial expressions without changing the lens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If digital functions such as live view display and image storage are enabled, then user convenience is improved, but the analog film camera experience is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidanalog experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging apparatus dynamically switches between different operating modes: a first imaging mode that restricts digital functions to provide an analog experience, and a second imaging mode that enables full digital functionality. Users can select the mode that matches their desired experience level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including live view display status, image storage enablement, and shooting count limits based on the selected imaging mode. In the first mode, these parameters are restricted to simulate film camera constraints, while in the second mode, they are fully enabled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If image data is stored in a DCF-compliant directory structure, then compatibility with standard cameras is improved, but the ability to distinguish film mode images is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidimaging mode identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The storage medium is divided into distinct directories: a first directory following the DCF standard for normal images and a second directory for film mode images. This segmentation allows both standard compatibility and mode-specific organization to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A management file is introduced as an intermediary element that stores metadata about the imaging mode and shooting counts. This file enables the system to track and identify film mode images without disrupting the standard DCF directory structure, maintaining both compatibility and information integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4686213A1Imaging apparatus, application program, imaging system, imaging method, and imaging program
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4686213A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686213A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4686213A1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

The present invention provides an imaging apparatus, an application program, an imaging system, an imaging method, and an imaging program that enable experience of an analog feel of a film camera by restricting a digital function. An imaging apparatus (10) includes a controller (31) composed of a processor, and a display (22). In a case where a film camera mode in which image formats are restricted is selected, the controller (31) outputs user interface information related to imaging to the display (22) and restricts output of a live view to the display (22).