Camera Shutter Sound Feedback for Auto Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital cameras automatically switching between mechanical and electronic shutter modes without user notification can lead to uncertainty about whether an image is captured based on sound, as users may not recognize image capture in the electronic shutter mode due to the absence of audible shutter sounds.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing apparatus with three modes: mechanical shutter, electronic shutter, and auto-shutter, where the auto-shutter mode automatically switches between the two and always outputs an electronic sound during image capture, ensuring user notification regardless of settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the digital camera automatically switches between mechanical shutter mode and electronic shutter mode without user notification, then the image capturing flexibility is improved, but the user's ability to recognize image capture events is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capturing flexibilityVSAvoiduser recognition of image capture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by outputting electronic shutter sounds during electronic shutter mode operations. This provides auditory feedback to the user that an image capture has occurred, even when the mechanical shutter does not operate. The control unit monitors the image capturing state and generates appropriate sound outputs to inform the user of capture events across all modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic shutter sound as an intermediary element that mediates between the electronic shutter operation and user perception. Since electronic shutters operate without mechanical movement, the electronic sound serves as a substitute signal that bridges the gap between the silent electronic operation and the user's need for auditory confirmation of image capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the digital camera uses electronic shutter mode without mechanical shutter operation, then the noise reduction is improved, but the auditory feedback to user is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidauditory feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic shutter system that uses electronic control of the image sensor instead of mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates mechanical noise while maintaining the core function of controlling light exposure, and complements it with electronic sound generation to provide user feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the digital camera always outputs electronic shutter sound regardless of user setting, then the user notification reliability is improved, but the user preference respect is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser notification reliabilityVSAvoiduser preference respect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic behavior by making the electronic shutter sound output dependent on the image capturing mode. In automatic switching mode, the system dynamically adjusts sound output to ensure user notification. In manual electronic shutter mode, the system respects user preferences and only outputs sounds when explicitly enabled. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliable notification and user preference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the sound output control into different branches based on image capturing mode. The control logic is divided into: automatic switching mode (where sound is always output to ensure notification), manual mechanical shutter mode (where electronic sound is suppressed), and manual electronic shutter mode (where sound output follows user settings). This segmentation allows different notification strategies for different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11375115B2Image capturing apparatus, control method thereof, and recording medium thereof

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus with a mechanical shutter, an output unit that outputs a sound, and a setting unit that sets whether the output unit outputs sound includes an image capturing mode where image capturing occurs without the mechanical shutter and an image capturing mode where image capturing is automatically switched between using the mechanical shutter and not using the mechanical shutter, where during image capturing without the mechanical shutter the output unit outputs sound based on the setting made by the setting unit, and where during image capturing without the mechanical shutter when image capturing switches between using and not using the mechanical shutter, the output unit outputs sound regardless of the setting made by the setting unit.