Imaging Device Self-Timer Focusing Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras with pivoting displays often unintentionally focus on the photographer's hand or arm when using the self-timer mode, as the automatic focusing process occurs simultaneously with the self-timer activation, leading to unwanted focusing.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device implements two self-timer modes: one where automatic focusing occurs immediately after the start instruction, and another where it occurs after a predetermined time, allowing the photographer to position themselves correctly before focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic focusing process is executed immediately after imaging start instruction in self-timer mode, then imaging speed is improved, but focusing accuracy deteriorates due to unintended focusing on photographer's hand or arm
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is configured to display an image before the automatic focusing process is executed. This preliminary display action allows the photographer to see their reflection and adjust their position before focusing occurs, preventing unintended focusing on hands or arms while maintaining efficient imaging speed through automated sequencing
2Ease of operation
If display plane is set to face same orientation as lens, then ease of operation for self-timer imaging is improved, but unintended focusing on photographer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By displaying the image on the display unit before executing the automatic focusing process, the system allows photographers to position themselves correctly in the frame while the display is visible. This preliminary display phase enables proper positioning without interfering with the subsequent automated focusing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and focusing accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging device including an imaging control unit that executes imaging control in first and second self-timer modes in which an automatic focusing process and an imaging process are executed in order after reception of an imaging start instruction. A first period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the first self-timer mode is shorter than a second period from the reception of the imaging start instruction to execution of the automatic focusing process in the second self-timer mode.