Hybrid Viewfinder Superimposing Imaging Range on Optical Image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to display a frame indicating the imaging range when an interchangeable lens cannot be communicated with, as they rely on acquiring lens information to superimpose a framework on the optical image, leading to a time lag and clarity issues between optical and electronic images.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device includes an optical finder, an electronic viewfinder, a lens information acquiring unit, and a display control unit that allows the electronic viewfinder to display a taken image based on the image signal generated by the imaging element when lens information cannot be acquired, enabling the display of an imaging range on the optical image even without communication with the interchangeable lens. Additionally, it features a moving unit for adjusting the superimposition position, a determining unit for identifying the imaging range, and a storing unit for storing the position of the imaging range image for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the electronic viewfinder displays an electronic image with a frame indicating imaging range, then the imaging range can be shown, but there is a time lag between imaging and display and the image is less clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical finder and electronic viewfinder into a hybrid finder system. The optical finder provides a clear optical image, while the electronic viewfinder overlays imaging range information (frame) on the optical image. This merging allows the user to see both the clear optical image and the electronic imaging range indication simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between showing imaging range information and maintaining image clarity.
2Measurement precision
If the system relies on acquiring lens information to display the imaging range frame, then accurate imaging range can be shown, but the system cannot display the frame when communication with the interchangeable lens is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores imaging range information (frame data) in advance for multiple types of interchangeable lenses in the camera body. When a lens is attached, the system checks if communication is possible; if not, it retrieves the pre-stored frame data corresponding to the attached lens type. This preliminary action of storing frame information in advance allows the system to display accurate imaging ranges even without real-time communication with the lens, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
3Reliability
If the optical finder is used to observe the optical image, then the image is clearer, but it is difficult to display the imaging range frame on the optical image without lens communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical finder and electronic viewfinder functions in a hybrid finder configuration. The optical image from the optical finder serves as the background, while the electronic viewfinder generates and overlays the imaging range frame on this optical image. This allows the clear optical image to be maintained while simultaneously displaying the imaging range information, resolving the contradiction between image clarity and information display.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device comprising: a camera mount; an imaging element; an optical finder capable of observing an optical image of an object which goes through an optical system different from the interchangeable lens; an electronic viewfinder capable of superimposing and displaying a taken image based on the image signal and the optical image; a lens information acquiring unit for communicating with the interchangeable lens mounted on the camera mount and acquiring information concerning the interchangeable lens; a communication determination unit configured to determine whether or not the interchangeable lens is communicable with the lens information acquiring unit; and a first display control unit for causing the electronic viewfinder to superimpose and display the taken image and the optical image if the communication determination unit determines that the interchangeable lens is not communicable with the lens information acquiring unit.