Image Capturing Apparatus Synchronization Stability Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

When switching from a standby mode to a normal image capturing mode after enabling the Genlock function, the camera outputs a black image due to unstable synchronization, preventing actual image output.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing apparatus with a synchronization control unit, a determination unit, and a mode control unit that switches operation modes based on synchronization stability, ensuring stable image output by synchronizing with a second synchronization signal and determining stability before switching to the normal mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the camera operation mode is switched from standby mode to normal image capturing mode immediately after the Genlock function is enabled, then the response speed is improved, but the synchronization stability deteriorates causing black image output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed of mode switchingVSAvoidsynchronization stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary synchronization stabilization processing before allowing mode switching from standby to normal image capturing mode. The determination unit checks whether synchronization has stabilized after Genlock is enabled, and only permits mode switching when synchronization stability is confirmed, thus preventing black image output while maintaining responsive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the synchronization stability is checked before mode switching, then the image output reliability is improved, but the time required for mode switching increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage output reliabilityVSAvoidtime for mode switching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit continuously monitors synchronization stability and provides feedback to the mode control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically determine when synchronization is stable without requiring fixed waiting periods, thereby minimizing time loss while ensuring reliable image output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a minimal necessary check of synchronization stability rather than exhaustive verification. The determination unit assesses whether synchronization has reached a stable state using efficient criteria, avoiding excessive processing time while still ensuring sufficient stability for reliable image output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11553112B2Image capturing apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 CANON KK

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus comprising an image capturing unit , a synchronization control unit performing synchronization with the second synchronization signal such that the captured image is output to an external devise in synchronism with the second synchronization signal; a determination unit determining whether the synchronization is stable; and a mode control unit switching an operation mode between a first operation mode and a second operation mode, in response to an instruction for switching the operation mode, wherein in a case where an instruction for switching the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode has been input and it is determined that the synchronization is stable, the mode control unit switches the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.