Imaging Apparatus Interval Shooting Timing Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses with interval shooting functions face challenges in seamlessly integrating user-initiated image capture with preset timing operations, leading to interruptions and inefficiencies in image storage and processing.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that includes a first acquiring section for capturing images at preset timing, a second acquiring section for capturing images at arbitrary user-initiated timing, a storing section for managing image storage, and a controlling section that judges and coordinates the timing to ensure continuous and efficient image acquisition and storage without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the imaging apparatus uses conventional interval shooting function that stops when image memory is full or canceled, then the imaging section and storing section can be simplified, but the productivity is reduced due to interruptions in continuous imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous interval shooting by allowing user-initiated imaging to coexist with preset timing imaging. When a user initiates imaging at arbitrary timing, the system determines whether this coincides with preset timing. If it does, the imaging is integrated into the interval shooting sequence without stopping the function. This ensures continuous useful action by eliminating interruptions that would otherwise occur when manual imaging was initiated during interval shooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging control into two independent acquiring sections: a first acquiring section for preset timing interval shooting and a second acquiring section for user-initiated imaging at arbitrary timing. Each section operates independently but can be coordinated through the determining section. This segmentation allows both functions to run simultaneously without interfering with each other, maintaining productivity while managing complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging apparatus allows user-initiated imaging during interval shooting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to timing coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a determining section as an intermediary between the first acquiring section (preset timing) and the second acquiring section (user-initiated). This intermediary component judges whether user-initiated imaging timing coincides with preset timing and coordinates the operation accordingly. By placing this intelligent mediator in the control flow, the system achieves easy user operation without requiring complex timing coordination logic throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the system adapts its behavior based on the relationship between user-initiated timing and preset timing. The controlling section dynamically adjusts the interval shooting operation based on the determination result: it continues normally if timings coincide, or manages them as separate operations if they don't. This dynamic approach allows the system to remain flexible and user-friendly while avoiding unnecessary complexity in static coordination scenarios.
3Loss of time
If the imaging apparatus integrates user-initiated images into interval shooting material, then the loss of time is reduced by avoiding separate processing, but the manufacturing precision of image management is challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storing section universal by enabling it to handle both interval shooting images and user-initiated images through a unified process. The same storing section that manages preset timing images also manages user-initiated images, and both can be used as material for interval shooting. This multi-functionality reduces processing time by eliminating separate handling paths while the determination mechanism ensures proper management precision by identifying which images should be integrated into the interval shooting sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus including an imaging sensor, a memory, and a CPU. The CPU is operable as: (i) repeatedly acquiring an image by driving the imaging sensor at preset timing, (ii) acquiring an image by driving the imaging sensor by receiving an instruction at arbitrary timing, while maintaining acquisition processing by the (i), (iii) storing, in the memory, the image acquired by the (i) and the image acquired by the (ii), (iv) judging whether the arbitrary timing and the preset timing coincide with each other, and (v) when judged that the arbitrary timing and the preset timing coincide with each other as a result of a judgment of the (iv), controlling to store, in the memory, the image acquired by one of the (i) and the (ii), as the image acquired by the other of the (i) and the (ii), or controlling the imaging sensor.