Camera Viewfinder Shutter with Infrared Eye Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewfinder systems in cameras struggle to prevent extraneous light from entering the viewfinder beam path, leading to incorrect exposures and light reflections, especially when the cameraman's eye is not properly aligned with the eyepiece, and require complex adjustments and concentration for manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A viewfinder system with a non-contact sensor device that uses capacitive or inductive sensors or infrared reflex light barriers to detect the presence and distance of the cameraman's eye, automatically controlling a shutter to prevent extraneous light from entering, even when the camera is not in exposure mode, and can be retrofitted with a magnetic eyecup and heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual shutter is arranged in the viewfinder system to prevent extraneous light, then extraneous light penetration is reduced, but the operation becomes complex and requires constant concentration from the cameraman
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system automatically detects when the cameraman's eye is positioned at the eyepiece using a sensor device and autonomously opens or closes the shutter without requiring manual operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for constant cameraman concentration and complex manual shutter operation while maintaining protection against extraneous light penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical shutter operation is replaced by an automated control system that uses optical sensors to detect eye position and electronically controls the shutter mechanism. This substitution transforms the mechanical manual operation into an automated system that reduces operational complexity while maintaining the light-blocking function.
2Extent of automation
If pressure is constantly exerted on the field of view around the cameraman's eye to open the shutter automatically, then automatic shutter control is achieved, but the viewing experience becomes unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical pressure-based shutter control is replaced by an optical sensor system that detects the cameraman's eye position without physical contact. The sensor device uses light barriers or capacitive sensing to determine when the eye is at the eyepiece, triggering automatic shutter control without exerting any pressure on the field of view, thereby maintaining viewing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical intermediary (sensor device detecting eye position) is introduced between the cameraman and the shutter mechanism. This intermediary allows the shutter to be controlled automatically based on eye position detection without requiring direct physical interaction or pressure on the cameraman's field of view, thus maintaining comfort while achieving automation.
3Ease of operation
If the shutter is opened when the eye is not at the eyepiece, then viewing is enabled, but extraneous light penetrates and causes incorrect exposures
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device continuously monitors the position of the cameraman's eye at the eyepiece and provides feedback to the shutter control system. Based on this real-time feedback, the shutter is automatically opened only when the eye is correctly positioned and closed when it is removed, ensuring that viewing is enabled only when appropriate while preventing extraneous light penetration and incorrect exposures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of eye position before opening the shutter. The sensor device checks whether the cameraman's eye is at the eyepiece before allowing the shutter to open, ensuring that viewing is enabled only under appropriate conditions. This preliminary action prevents extraneous light penetration while maintaining viewing accessibility when needed.
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
Ensures precise control over extraneous light entry, preventing incorrect exposures and light reflections, while allowing comfortable viewing without pressure on the cameraman's field of vision, and can be easily integrated as an independent unit with the camera.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive or inductive sensors
Implementation Method 2
capacitive or inductive sensors
Implementation Method 3
infrared reflex light barriers
Implementation Method 4
shutter (5), which can be opened and closed and which prevents the penetration of extraneous light into the viewfinder beam path (S3)
Implementation Method 5
heating elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a viewfinder system for a camera, especially a film camera, in which a viewfinder light path extends that is derived from a recording light path for exposing the film. Said viewfinder system comprises an eyepiece, an eye closure, a diaphragm for hiding unwanted light penetrating into the camera via the viewfinder system, and a control device which triggers the diaphragm and is connected to a sensor. A sensor device (721, 722; 723, 724; 731, 732) that is configured as an infrared reflected light barrier detects, in a contactless manner, an eye or head of a person who views the picture that is to be taken through the eyepiece, said eye or head being located on the eye closure (41) of the viewfinder system. The sensor device (721, 722; 723, 724; 731, 732) transmits sensor signals to a control device which opens or closes the wings (51, 52) of the diaphragm via a driving device (80, 81, 82) that is embodied as a lifting magnet when the eye closure is open (41).