Image Pickup Apparatus Focus Preset Initial Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image pickup and accessory apparatus configurations with focus preset (FP) functions lack a proper initial setting mechanism when both apparatuses have FP functions, leading to user inconvenience and potential missed imaging opportunities.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an imaging system where both the image pickup apparatus and the accessory apparatus can have FP functions, with initial FP positions and speeds set appropriately based on the combination of these apparatuses, allowing users to instantly switch focus between infinity and close distance settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both image pickup apparatus and accessory apparatus have FP functions with default initial FP positions set to infinity end, then the FP function can be implemented in both apparatuses, but the user must manually change settings which may cause missed imaging opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFP function availabilityVSAvoidmanual setting change requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically setting appropriate initial FP positions for both the image pickup apparatus and accessory apparatus before the user operates them. The image pickup apparatus sets its initial FP position to the infinity end, while the accessory apparatus sets its initial FP position to the close distance end, eliminating the need for manual setting changes and preventing missed imaging opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If initial FP positions are set to the same position (infinity end) in both apparatuses, then the configuration is simple, but the user cannot efficiently switch between infinity and close distance focus presets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial setting configurationVSAvoidfocus switching efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies asymmetry by setting different initial FP positions for the image pickup apparatus (infinity end) and the accessory apparatus (close distance end). This asymmetric configuration enables efficient focus switching between infinity and close distance presets, resolving the contradiction between simple configuration and efficient focus switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the accessory apparatus sets initial FP position to close distance end, then close distance imaging is optimized, but infinity focus capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclose distance focus reliabilityVSAvoidinfinity focus capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the FP function into two independent apparatuses with different initial settings. The image pickup apparatus is responsible for infinity end focus with its initial FP position set to infinity, while the accessory apparatus handles close distance focus with its initial FP position set to close distance end. This segmentation allows both infinity and close distance imaging capabilities to coexist without compromising either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4554247A1Image pickup apparatus, accessory apparatus, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 CANON KK
  • EP4554247A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4554247A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4554247A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image pickup apparatus (200) is attachable to and detachable from at least one accessory apparatus (100), and includes a camera communication unit (202) communicable with the accessory apparatus, and a camera control unit (201) configured to receive from the accessory apparatus via the camera communication unit, first initial setting information on an initial setting of a first function for driving a focus lens to a first focus position that has been previously set, a camera control unit having a second function for requesting, via the camera control unit, the accessory apparatus to drive the focus lens to a second focus position that has been previously set, and set second initial setting information on an initial setting of the second function based on the first initial setting information so that the second initial setting information is at least partially different from the first initial setting information.