Imaging Apparatus Frame Rate Control with Mode Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatuses lack flexibility in continuous shooting speed settings, as users can only switch between pre-defined modes without the ability to customize the speed according to their preferences or specific situations.

Innovation Solution

The imaging apparatus provides multiple frame rate modes with customizable frame rates, allowing users to select and set frame rates within each mode, with options presented in a relative high-low format and displayed on a single screen, enabling variable setting within defined ranges to maintain the relative relation among modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple pre-defined continuous shooting modes are provided, then users can easily select appropriate shooting speeds for different situations, but users cannot flexibly customize the frame rate according to their preferences or specific needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of selecting shooting speedVSAvoidflexibility in frame rate setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the frame rate settings adjustable and variable within each shooting mode. Instead of fixed pre-defined speeds, users can dynamically change the frame rate according to their preferences and specific shooting situations, while the system maintains the relative high-low relation among different modes through control section constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If users can freely set frame rates in all modes, then customization flexibility is maximized, but the relative high-low relation among modes may be inverted causing confusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidconsistency of mode relations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control section provides feedback by monitoring and constraining user settings to maintain the relative high-low relation among shooting modes. When users attempt to set frame rates that would invert the established relationship, the system prevents such settings, ensuring consistency and preventing confusion while still allowing extensive customization within valid ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frame rate options are provided across different modes, then user preferences can be better accommodated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rate selection optionsVSAvoidsetting management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a unified control mechanism that manages frame rate settings across all shooting modes. The control section provides a consistent interface and constraint system that works across H+, H, M, and L modes, allowing multiple frame rate options to be managed through a single coherent system rather than separate independent settings for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240080411A1Imaging apparatus, imaging control method, and program

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is an imaging apparatus which allows, for all or some of multiple frame rate modes, selection of multiple frame rates including a frame rate same as that in another frame rate mode. Moreover, the imaging apparatus is configured to carry out control to perform frame rate setting in each frame rate mode according to an operation.