Imaging Apparatus Overlay Focal Length Input for Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging apparatuses struggle with precise image stabilization when an interchangeable lens without a communication function is mounted, as they cannot acquire necessary focal length information, leading to inadequate image correction.

Innovation Solution

The imaging apparatus includes a shake detector, image stabilization unit, and display unit, allowing users to input focal length information via a setting screen displayed on a live view image, enabling the image stabilization unit to adjust based on the detected shake amount and user-input focal length, thereby achieving precise image stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the imaging apparatus uses automatic communication to acquire focal length information from the interchangeable lens, then the operation is convenient and quick, but the system cannot obtain focal length information when the lens lacks communication function

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAutomatic focal length acquisitionVSAvoidFocal length information availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is designed to automatically transmit its focal length information to the camera body through built-in communication functionality, eliminating the need for manual input and enabling the system to self-acquire necessary parameters for image stabilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

When the lens lacks communication function, the mount adaptor acts as an intermediary device that bridges the communication gap, allowing the camera body to acquire focal length information indirectly through the adaptor's communication interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the imaging apparatus requires manual input of focal length information, then the system can work with lenses without communication function, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFocal length information availabilityVSAvoidManual focal length input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects whether the mounted lens has communication functionality and switches between automatic acquisition and mount adaptor modes without requiring manual user intervention, making the complex detection and selection process transparent to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the imaging apparatus displays the setting screen separately from the live view image, then the focal length input interface is clear and accessible, but the user cannot visually assess image stabilization effects while setting focal length

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSetting screen accessibilityVSAvoidVisual feedback on stabilization effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The setting screen for focal length input is overlaid directly on the live view image display, merging the configuration interface with the visual feedback channel, allowing users to input focal length information while simultaneously observing the real-time image stabilization effects on the same screen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows users to set proper focal length values while viewing the live image stabilization effects, ensuring high-precision image stabilization even with lenses lacking communication functions.

Implementation Method 1

a shake detector that detects a shake amount of the imaging apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

an image stabilization unit that performs an image stabilization operation by moving the imaging device based on the detected shake amount and a focal length of the interchangeable lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage stabilization:

Data Source

PatentUS10440273B2Imaging apparatus that displays an overlay setting screen for inputting focal length information for interchangeable lens and for quantitatively indicating a magnitude of a blur

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

The imaging apparatus to which an interchangeable lens is mountable includes an imaging device, a shake detector that detects a shake amount of the imaging apparatus, an image stabilization unit that performs an image stabilization operation by moving the imaging device based on the detected shake amount and a focal length of the interchangeable lens, a display unit that displays a setting screen for inputting focal length information item of the interchangeable lens, and a controller that controls the display unit and the image stabilization unit. The controller reflects the focal length information item displayed in the setting screen in the image stabilization operation performed by the image stabilization unit while causing the display unit to display and overlay the setting screen on a live view image.