Camera Menu Automation via Time-Based Accessory Data Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices display inappropriate setting menu options due to discrepancies between the current imaging time and the time point recorded in accessory information, leading to poor usability.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device with components such as an imaging section, reading section, menu display section, accessory information extraction section, and menu change section that extracts imaging time points and conditions to dynamically update the setting menu based on current time and conditions, prioritizing frequently used settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the setting menu is displayed based on imaging conditions from stored captured images, then the menu can be updated automatically, but the displayed settings may not match the current imaging situation when time points differ

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic menu updateVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the setting menu based on the current time point by extracting and comparing time information from accessory data with the current time, then selectively displaying setting items that are relevant to the current imaging situation rather than using a static menu structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary extraction of time information from accessory data before displaying the menu, and pre-determines which setting items should be displayed based on the time comparison, so that the menu is already optimized when the user views it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If all setting items are displayed in the menu, then comprehensive options are available, but relevant and frequently used settings may be hidden among irrelevant ones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive optionsVSAvoidaccessibility to relevant settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The setting menu is segmented into multiple pages or sections, with the first page displaying setting items that are most relevant to the current imaging situation (determined by time-based filtering), and less relevant items placed on subsequent pages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the menu interface have different qualities - the first page is optimized for current relevance with high-priority settings prominently displayed, while maintaining access to comprehensive options through additional pages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11156904B2Imaging device and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A camera main body includes a mount, a solid-state imaging element, a main body controller, a card I/F, an accessory information storage section, a rear surface display section, and a finder section. An interchangeable lens is attached to the mount. A setting menu is displayed on the rear surface display section. The main body controller extracts accessory information including an imaging time point in a specific time slot from a plurality of pieces of accessory information read out from a memory card by the card I/F. Further, the main body controller changes a setting menu in accordance with imaging conditions included in accessory information that is extracted as the accessory information including the imaging time point in the specific time slot and is stored in the accessory information storage section.