Camera Oscillation Device Tactile Feedback Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a technology that enables a camera operator to properly perceive information related to an image-capturing apparatus, as existing solutions do not effectively provide tactile feedback for operational and environmental information.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a controller that controls an oscillation device to provide tactile feedback to the camera operator based on image-capturing environment, setting, and state information, including operation information, reminder information, and image-capturing information, using distinct oscillation patterns for different types of information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an oscillation device is added to provide tactile feedback, then the camera operator can perceive operational information through tactile sense, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation delivery to camera operatorVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An oscillation device is introduced as an intermediary between the control unit and the camera operator's hand. This mediator translates digital operational information into tactile oscillations that can be perceived through the camera body, enabling non-visual information delivery without requiring additional display components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillation device serves multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback for focus status, exposure state, and other operational information. By consolidating multiple information delivery functions into a single oscillation-based system, the patent reduces the need for separate display components for each type of feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If distinct oscillation patterns are used for different operational states, then information perception accuracy improves, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation perception accuracyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different oscillation patterns are assigned to different operational states (e.g., focus status, exposure state, battery level). Each state has a distinct oscillation characteristic such as frequency, amplitude, or duration, allowing the camera operator to differentiate between states through tactile sensation alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit varies oscillation parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) to encode different types of operational information. By changing these physical parameters of the oscillation signal, the system can convey multiple types of information through a single tactile feedback mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If oscillation feedback is provided continuously, then operational information is always available to the operator, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational information availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous oscillation, the system uses periodic or event-triggered oscillation feedback. The oscillation device activates only when specific operational states change or occur (e.g., when focus is achieved, when exposure begins), providing information at relevant moments without continuous energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillation feedback system automatically activates based on operational conditions without requiring continuous user input or attention. The system self-regulates its own activation states, only consuming energy when operational information needs to be communicated to the camera operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the camera operator to intuitively understand operational states and environmental conditions through tactile feedback, improving the usability and efficiency of the image-capturing process.

Implementation Method 1

a controller that controls oscillation of an oscillation device that provides oscillation to a camera operator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20240163552A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

[Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that make it possible to properly provide information related to an image-capturing apparatus through a tactile sense.[Solving Means] Solution to ProblemAn information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a controller. The controller controls oscillation of an oscillation device that provides oscillation to a camera operator, on the basis of at least one of image-capturing-environment information regarding an environment of image-capturing performed by an image-capturing apparatus, image-capturing-setting information that is set by the camera operator, or state information regarding a state of the image-capturing apparatus, the image-capturing apparatus including a camera body that includes the oscillation device and an imaging device that captures an image of a subject.