Digital Camera Aspect Ratio Processing via Movable Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital single-lens reflex cameras face issues when recording images with aspect ratios different from the optical viewfinder, leading to inconsistencies between the composed image and the recorded image, requiring additional systems to manage the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera with a movable mirror that allows for live view display via an electronic viewfinder, incorporating an aspect ratio accepting portion to process image data according to user-selected aspect ratios during live view mode, and maintaining the optical viewfinder aspect ratio during viewfinder mode, ensuring consistent image composition without additional mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder is changed to match the aspect ratio of recorded image data, then the consistency between the composed image and recorded image is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for an additional system to limit the field of view of the optical viewfinder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system for changing the optical viewfinder's aspect ratio with an electronic image processing system. The control portion processes the image data captured by the imaging element to match the aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder, eliminating the need for mechanical field-of-view limitation mechanisms while ensuring consistency between the composed and recorded images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the optical viewfinder's field of view through image processing. The control portion generates an electronic representation of the viewable area that matches the optical viewfinder's aspect ratio, allowing the recorded image to correspond to the composed image without physically altering the optical path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable mirror is added to enable both optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder modes, then the versatility of the camera is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mirror serves multiple functions: it directs light to the optical viewfinder for optical viewing, directs light to the imaging element for electronic viewing and recording, and enables switching between different aspect ratios. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operation modes within a single device.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital camera in which a recording portion made up of a microcomputer 110 and a card slot 153 performs predetermined processing on image data generated by a CMOS sensor 130 so that the image data takes on the aspect ratio accepted via an operation portion 140 while in live view mode, or performs predetermined processing on the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 so that the image data takes on the aspect ratio of an optical viewfinder while in viewfinder mode. The image data is then stored in a memory card 300. Through this configuration, it is possible to provide a digital camera in which an image of a composition that suits the user's intent can be recorded, as well as in which the image can be recorded having an aspect ratio that the user desires, selected from among a plurality of aspect ratios.