Film Camera Mode Imaging Without Live View Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital cameras with wide-angle lenses fail to display live views due to the main subject being small in the image, and existing imaging systems lack the analog feel of film cameras.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with a first imaging mode that restricts digital functions, such as live view output and image formats, and stores images in a single unit format, mimicking film camera experience by using a first processor to manage image data in both DCF-standard and non-standard directories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a wide-angle lens is mounted to capture a broad range, then the field of view is improved, but the main subject becomes small and difficult to check in the live view image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidsubject size in image

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image data is divided into multiple regions of interest (ROIs), each corresponding to a different field of view angle. The processor selectively outputs image data from specific ROI regions to the display device, allowing the user to focus on particular areas of the captured scene even with a wide-angle lens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If digital functions are enabled for convenient operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the analog feel of film cameras is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital function availabilityVSAvoidanalog experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging apparatus dynamically switches between different imaging modes (analog mode and digital mode) based on user selection. In analog mode, the display device shows only the final captured image without live view, mimicking film camera operation. In digital mode, full digital functions including live view are available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If live view is displayed for real-time feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but the analog thrill of not knowing the result is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time image feedbackVSAvoidanticipation of result

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic imaging operations where the imaging unit captures images at predetermined intervals without continuous live view display. This creates a rhythm similar to film photography where the user waits for the final result, maintaining the element of anticipation and surprise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image formats are supported for versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage format supportVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different processing qualities and formats are applied to different regions of interest within the image data. The processor can output image data from specific ROI regions in different formats (full resolution, thumbnail, or compressed) based on the selected imaging mode and display requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260025578A1Imaging apparatus, application program, imaging system, imaging method, and imaging program

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes a controller composed of a processor, and a display. In a case where a film camera mode in which image formats are restricted is selected, the controller outputs user interface information related to imaging to the display and restricts output of a live view to the display.