Imaging Apparatus Automatic Mode Switching Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses lack the ability to seamlessly transition between still picture and motion picture recording modes, often requiring users to manually switch modes, which can lead to inconsistencies in image settings and quality.

Innovation Solution

The proposed imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, operating parts, a mode setting unit, and a storage unit that stores separate set values for still pictures and motion pictures. The control unit manages these settings to allow for automatic adaptation of imaging and recording parameters based on the selected mode, ensuring consistent image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual mode switching is used between still picture and motion picture recording, then users can select different recording modes, but operational complexity increases and consistency of image settings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording mode selectionVSAvoidmanual mode switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging apparatus automatically detects the type of subject or scene and switches between still picture and motion picture recording modes without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the appropriate recording mode based on detected characteristics, thereby eliminating the need for manual mode switching while maintaining adaptability to different recording needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (recording mode settings) automatically based on detected scene characteristics. When the subject or scene type is detected, the system modifies parameters such as frame rate, resolution, and compression settings appropriate for either still pictures or motion pictures, ensuring consistent and appropriate image quality without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If separate set values are stored for still pictures and motion pictures, then image quality consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality consistencyVSAvoidstorage and management of separate set values

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit is designed to hold multiple sets of imaging parameters that can be selectively applied based on the detected scene type. Rather than requiring completely separate storage systems for still pictures and motion pictures, the same storage unit universally manages different parameter sets, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to ensure consistent quality through appropriate parameter selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sets of optimized imaging parameters are pre-stored in the storage unit for different recording scenarios. When the system detects the scene type, it retrieves the pre-prepared parameter set appropriate for that scenario, eliminating the need for real-time parameter calculation and ensuring consistent image quality without adding complex real-time processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic adaptation of imaging parameters is implemented, then operational complexity is reduced, but loss of information about user preferences increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic parameter adaptationVSAvoiduser preference data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to review and adjust the automatically selected imaging parameters. After the system automatically adapts parameters based on detected scene characteristics, users can provide feedback by manually adjusting settings or selecting from predefined options, ensuring that user preferences are preserved and incorporated into future automatic selections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The parameter adaptation system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It continuously learns from user interactions and adjustments, adapting its automatic selection criteria over time. This allows the system to reduce operational complexity through automation while preserving user preferences by evolving its behavior based on actual user choices and feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12256144B2Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and imaging program that uses imaging recording modes for motion picture imaging

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit that is capable of performing imaging and recording; a first operating part; a second operating part; a mode setting unit; a storage unit that stores a still picture set value for imaging and recording of a still picture and a motion picture set value for imaging and recording of a motion picture; and a control unit as defined herein.