Image Capturing Apparatus Synchronization Signal Control for Display Lag
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image capturing apparatuses with live view functions, display time lag during continuous shooting of still images is significant, making framing difficult due to the delay between capturing and displaying live view images, especially when the interval between shots is short.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a control method that generates and selects synchronization signals to optimize the timing of image sensor driving and display updates, using a first synchronization signal for still image mode and a second synchronization signal for moving image mode to minimize display time lag and ensure proper framing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous shooting of still images is performed with short intervals, then shooting speed is improved, but display time lag increases making framing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between two synchronization signal generation methods based on the shooting mode. In continuous still image shooting mode, the first synchronization signal method is used where the display panel is updated at fixed intervals independent of the short shooting intervals. In moving image shooting mode, the second synchronization signal method is used where display updates are synchronized with the actual image capture timing. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing display timing for each specific shooting scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the synchronization parameter (display update timing) based on the shooting mode. When continuous still image shooting is detected, the system changes to a fixed-interval display update parameter that prevents time lag accumulation. When moving image shooting is detected, the system changes to a synchronized display update parameter that matches the capture rate. This parameter switching resolves the technical contradiction between high-speed continuous shooting and display time lag.
2Ease of operation
If LV image capture and display are performed between still image frames, then framing capability is maintained, but display time lag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display update operation from the image capture operation in continuous still image shooting mode. Instead of updating the display for every captured frame (which would cause time lag), the system segments display updates to occur at fixed intervals independent of the high-frequency capture cycles. This allows continuous capture for framing while maintaining a stable, lag-free display update rhythm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic display updates at fixed intervals regardless of the continuous image capture frequency. This periodic action creates a stable display rhythm that doesn't accumulate time lag, while the underlying image capture continues at high frequency to maintain framing capability. The display refreshes periodically rather than with every frame, resolving the contradiction between continuous capture and lag-free display.
3Loss of time
If synchronization timing is adjusted based on image reproduction timing, then display time lag is reduced for still images, but it is not optimal for moving image shooting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal synchronization system that can adapt to multiple shooting modes (continuous still image shooting and moving image shooting) by providing two different synchronization signal generation methods. The first method optimizes for continuous still image shooting with fixed-interval display updates, while the second method optimizes for moving image shooting with synchronized display updates. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different shooting modes rather than optimizing for only one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically selects which synchronization method to use based on the current shooting mode detection. The control unit monitors whether continuous still image shooting or moving image shooting is active and dynamically switches between the first synchronization signal generation (fixed-interval updates) and the second synchronization signal generation (synchronized updates). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between optimizing for reduced time lag and maintaining versatility across different shooting modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus comprises a first generation circuit that generates a first synchronization signal with a predetermined cycle, a second generation circuit that generates a second synchronization signal for controlling timings for driving an image sensor including timings for repeatedly reading out image signals from the image sensor, a control circuit that controls the second generation circuit in accordance with a driving method of the image sensor, a selector that selects the first synchronization signal or the second synchronization signal in accordance with the driving method of the image sensor and outputs the selected synchronization signal, and a display panel that updates and displays image signals which are repeatedly read out from the image sensor at timings based on the synchronization signal selected by the selector.