Dynamic ISO Sensitivity Control Range Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing apparatuses limit users in setting ISO sensitivity and other exposure control values within a predetermined range, making it difficult to achieve intended exposure settings without manual adjustment of upper and lower limits.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus allows users to independently set control upper and lower limits for automatic sensitivity change, enabling ISO sensitivity settings outside the predefined range, thereby allowing for flexible exposure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the control upper limit sensitivity and control lower limit sensitivity are set to restrict automatic sensitivity change, then the reliability of exposure control is improved, but the adaptability of sensitivity setting is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure control reliabilityVSAvoidsensitivity setting adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the sensitivity control range dynamic by allowing it to be automatically adjusted based on shooting conditions. The control upper limit sensitivity and control lower limit sensitivity are no longer fixed but are determined dynamically according to the relationship between available light and required exposure, enabling the system to adapt to different shooting scenarios while maintaining reliable exposure control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of sensitivity control by introducing a new determination method where the control upper limit sensitivity and control lower limit sensitivity are calculated based on shooting condition parameters (available light, required exposure). This parameter transformation allows the system to expand or contract the sensitivity control range dynamically, resolving the contradiction between reliable control and adaptive setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensitivity control range is expanded to allow broader ISO settings, then the adaptability of sensitivity setting is improved, but the time required for setting adjustments is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensitivity setting adaptabilityVSAvoidsetting adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the camera system to automatically determine and adjust the sensitivity control range without user intervention. The control upper limit sensitivity and control lower limit sensitivity are automatically calculated based on shooting conditions, eliminating the need for manual range expansion and reducing setting adjustment time to zero.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the appropriate sensitivity control range before the user needs to make adjustments. The system proactively determines the control upper limit sensitivity and control lower limit sensitivity based on current shooting conditions, so when the user wants to change sensitivity, the appropriate range is already prepared and immediately available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual adjustment of control limits is required to change sensitivity range, then the reliability of control range management is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol range management reliabilityVSAvoidsensitivity setting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing the sensitivity control range without requiring manual user adjustments. The control upper limit sensitivity and control lower limit sensitivity are autonomously determined based on shooting conditions, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust control limits while maintaining reliable range management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring shooting conditions (available light, required exposure) and using this information to automatically adjust the sensitivity control range. The system receives feedback from the shooting environment and responds by appropriately setting the control upper limit sensitivity and control lower limit sensitivity, making the system both reliable and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2515528B1Image capturing apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 CANON KK
  • EP2515528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2515528B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2515528B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2F

AI summary

If an exposure control value set according to a user's instruction is out of an exposure control value control range set according to a user's instruction, the exposure control value control range is changed to a range including the exposure control value set according to the user's instruction.