Imaging Apparatus Mute Indicator Visibility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of imaging apparatuses may inadvertently record silent moving images due to the mute function being set on without their knowledge, leading to erroneous operations.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a sound input unit, a display unit, and a controller that allows users to set the display of a level meter on or off and indicates the mute function status, ensuring that the mute function is visibly displayed when activated, even if the level meter display is set to off, to prevent unintentional silent recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the level meter display is turned OFF to reduce display information, then the display becomes cleaner and less distracting, but users may not notice when the mute function is activated, leading to erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the mute indicator display have different display characteristics from the level meter. When mute is activated, a specific mute indicator (not the general level meter) is displayed in a distinct location with unique visual properties, allowing localized information presentation that doesn't interfere with overall display cleanliness while ensuring user awareness of the mute state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes or distinct visual indicators to represent the mute state. The mute indicator is displayed with specific visual characteristics (such as different color, icon, or animation) that distinguish it from normal level meter display, enabling users to quickly recognize the mute status without needing to interpret complex level meter readings.
2Loss of information
If the level meter is always displayed to show recording status, then users can monitor sound levels, but the display becomes cluttered and less user-friendly when the mute function is not active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display behavior where the level meter visibility changes based on the mute function state. When mute is OFF, the level meter is not displayed (or minimally displayed) to keep the interface clean. When mute is activated, the mute indicator is dynamically displayed to inform users of the state change. This dynamic adaptation optimizes display usability across different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically checks the mute function state and adjusts the display accordingly. The controller monitors whether the mute function is activated and switches the display mode between showing level meter information and showing mute indicator, creating a periodic display pattern that responds to functional state changes rather than continuously displaying all information.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus that images a subject and allows recording of moving image data. A setting unit of the imaging apparatus receives first setting for setting ON or OFF of display of level meter (201) on display unit (190) and second setting for setting ON or OFF of a mute function which is a function of recording a sound indicating silence. When a moving image is captured, a controller of the imaging apparatus is configured such that, if the display of level meter (201) is OFF in the first setting, and further, when the mute function is ON in the second setting, at least one of level meter (201) and mute display (202) is displayed in display unit (190).