Single-Control Image-Taking Apparatus Shutter Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera shutter mechanisms on miniaturized multimedia devices, such as mobile phones, are impractical due to size constraints and lack tactile differentiation between half-press and full-press functions, making it difficult for users with impaired fine motor control or disabilities to set and lock image-taking parameters intuitively.
Innovation Solution
A portable multimedia device with a one-step button for shutter release, where the first press locks focus and exposure, and a subsequent press takes the picture, utilizing volume buttons on a cellular telephone to simplify image-taking and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-step shutter button is used to differentiate between half-press (parameter setting) and full-press (picture taking), then image-taking parameter control is improved, but device miniaturization and ease of operation for users with impaired fine motor control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image-taking process into two distinct phases controlled by separate buttons: a first button (e.g., volume up) for setting and locking focus and exposure parameters, and a second button (e.g., volume down) for capturing the picture. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex two-step shutter button while maintaining intuitive parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repurposes existing volume buttons, which are already present on multimedia devices for audio control, to serve dual functions: controlling image-taking parameters and capturing pictures. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated camera buttons, enabling device miniaturization while preserving ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If device miniaturization is pursued to create flat rounded cuboid multimedia devices, then portability is improved, but tactile differentiation between half-press and full-press on shutter buttons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing volume buttons that are already optimized for tactile feedback in miniaturized devices. By assigning these buttons to camera functions, the patent avoids the need to create new miniaturized shutter buttons that would lack adequate tactile differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating parameter setting and picture capture into different buttons, the patent eliminates the need for tactile differentiation between press depths on a single button. Each button provides full tactile feedback for its specific function, working effectively in miniaturized device form factors.
3Device complexity
If a single button is used for both parameter locking and picture taking, then device complexity is reduced, but latency between parameter setting and picture capture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera control functions into two separate button presses: first button for parameter locking, second button for picture capture. This segmentation eliminates the time required to transition between half-press and full-press states on a single button, reducing overall shutter latency while maintaining simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image-taking apparatus wherein a first actuation of a control element locks image-taking parameters and a subsequent actuation of this control element causes a picture to be taken. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a cellular telephone equipped with a camera wherein a first press on the volume up button locks focus and exposure. The photographer can then recompose the picture according to the ‘half-press’ technique and take a picture with a subsequent press on the volume up button. Other embodiments are described.