Camera Voice Control for Rapid Setting Adjustments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems have complicated menu structures that make it difficult to quickly and easily access or adjust settings, necessitating cumbersome manual navigation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing voice control for camera settings, allowing users to adjust modes and functions via voice commands, with optional biometric security and remote control communication using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional manual menu navigation is used to adjust camera settings, then the camera can access all settings, but the process is time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to adjust camera settingsVSAvoidease of accessing camera settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical menu navigation with voice-based acoustic control. Users speak commands like 'set shutter speed to 1/500' instead of manually navigating through menu layers, directly substituting mechanical interaction with acoustic field interaction to achieve faster setting adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces voice recognition software as an intermediary between the user and camera settings. The voice command processor acts as a mediator that translates spoken language into camera control signals, eliminating the need for direct manual menu navigation while maintaining full access to camera functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If voice control is added to the camera system, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjusting camera settingsVSAvoidcomplexity of camera system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the camera's processor perform multiple functions: it handles both traditional camera control operations and voice recognition processing. By utilizing the existing processor for dual purposes, the system adds voice control functionality without requiring a completely separate dedicated voice processing unit, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera system uses its own internal processor and memory resources to handle voice recognition and command processing. Rather than requiring external processing power or additional dedicated hardware, the camera serves itself by utilizing existing components for the new voice control function, minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If biometric security features are added to the camera, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of camera accessVSAvoidcomplexity of security system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines biometric authentication with the existing voice control system. The same voice recognition processor that controls camera settings also performs biometric verification by analyzing voice patterns. This merging of functions allows the system to provide secure access control without adding a completely separate biometric hardware subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3948515B1Techniques for controlling camera interfaces using voice commands
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3948515B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3948515B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3948515B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Voice commands may be used to control camera functions, obviating the need for cumbersome menu manipulation. Voice commands may be enabled only for certain camera modes, e.g., for P, A, and S modes but not for auto mode.