Image Capturing Apparatus Automatic Sensor Inclination Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses struggle to automatically align objects with the frame edges to avoid undesirably inclined photographs or videos, especially in varying lighting conditions and quick shooting situations, requiring user intervention or complex post-processing.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus equipped with an inclination sensor and rotational motion actuator that automatically compensates for angular offsets of the optical sensor device relative to a predetermined axis, ensuring objects are aligned with the frame edges during capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If graphic markers are provided in the viewfinder and/or display to indicate horizontal and vertical reference axes, then users can align objects with frame edges, but the framed scene becomes poorly visible in intense or weak light conditions and users cannot align objects quickly enough in urgent shooting situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical viewfinder system with an electronic display system that uses software-based reference indicators. The electronic viewfinder or LCD display shows the framed scene along with graphic markers indicating horizontal and vertical reference axes, allowing users to align objects with frame edges. This electronic approach maintains visibility across varying light conditions unlike purely optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces graphic markers as intermediary visual elements that are superimposed on the framed scene in the electronic display. These markers serve as mediators between the user and the scene, providing clear horizontal and vertical reference axes that help users align objects with frame edges without interfering with the visibility of the actual scene being captured.
2Manufacturing precision
If photo retouching or video editing software programs are used to straighten up captured images a posteriori, then inclined images can be corrected, but users need in-depth knowledge of specific software programs and peripheral areas of the image are lost due to cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the alignment action preliminarily during the image capture process itself, rather than as a post-processing step. The electronic viewfinder or LCD display shows graphic markers and the framed scene simultaneously, allowing users to align objects with frame edges before taking the photograph. This eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing software operations and prevents loss of image peripheral areas.
3Extent of automation
If the optical sensor device is rotated to compensate for angular offset, then automatic alignment with frame edges is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service alignment system where the apparatus automatically detects its own angular offset from the horizontal reference axis using an inclination sensor and compensates for it through a rotational actuator. The system monitors and corrects its own alignment status without requiring external intervention, achieving automatic alignment while managing complexity through integrated sensor-actuator coupling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic alignment of objects with the image frame edges, eliminating the need for user intervention and post-processing corrections, ensuring high-quality images in any capturing condition without losing peripheral details.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination sensor capable of detecting an angular offset of the optical sensor device with respect to a predetermined horizontal reference axis
Implementation Method 2
a rotational motion actuator coupled to the optical sensor device and capable of causing the optical sensor device to rotate about an optical axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus (600) comprising a body that can be freely inclined relative to a predetermined reference axis through the effect of a rotation about a certain axis of rotation, an optical sensor device (1) capable of capturing luminous radiation incident thereon and of converting it so that it can be stored into a physical medium in the form of a captured image, wherein the optical sensor device (1) is mechanically coupled to the body of the apparatus (600) in a manner such that it can be made capable of controllably rotating about the axis of rotation, inclination sensor means (60) adapted to detect the angular offset of the optical sensor device with respect to the predetermined reference axis, motor means (64) adapted to rotate the optical sensor device about said axis of rotation when it is made capable of controllably rotating about the axis of rotation by the motor means (64), processing and control means (62) associated with the inclination sensor means (60) and with the motor means (64) and adapted to change the inclination of the optical sensor device (1) through the motor means (64) depending on the angular offset detected by the inclination sensor means (60) with respect to the predetermined reference axis.