Imaging Apparatus Exposure Time Notification for HDR Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot intuitively recognize exposure time when viewing combined images generated by capturing multiple images with different exposure conditions, leading to low usability in imaging apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a notification unit that displays the longest exposure time among multiple photographing conditions before initiating photography, along with the sum of exposure times necessary for capturing multiple images, to help users set appropriate conditions for obtaining high dynamic range images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images with different exposure conditions are captured and combined, then high dynamic range imaging capability is improved, but user recognition of exposure time becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification unit as an intermediary between the imaging system and the user. This notification unit displays the longest exposure time among multiple captured images, serving as a mediator that translates complex multi-exposure data into simple, understandable information for the user, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving HDR capability and maintaining user awareness of exposure parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images with different exposure times are captured, then dynamic range is improved, but camera shake or object movement during photography increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by notifying the user of the longest exposure time before the actual photographing process begins. This allows the user to prepare appropriately (e.g., stabilize the camera, ensure the object is stationary) before the multi-exposure capture starts, thereby preventing camera shake or object movement that would otherwise degrade image quality while still enabling dynamic range improvement
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that obtains a plurality of photographed images of different photographing conditions includes a setting unit that sets photographing conditions of the imaging unit, an instruction unit that instructs photographing by the imaging unit, and a notification unit that notifies photographing conditions set by the setting unit before the instruction unit instructs the photographing, wherein the notification unit notifies, before the instruction unit instructs the photographing, only a photographing condition of a longest exposure time from among a plurality of photographing conditions for obtaining the plurality of photographed images or a sum of exposure times for obtaining the plurality of photographed images.