Imaging device and communication accessory

Abstract

The utility model discloses a shooting device and a communication accessory, the shooting device comprises a body and an accessory connecting device arranged on the body, the accessory connecting device comprises a joint component and a connecting component, and the joint component is used for being matched with the accessory to install the accessory; the connecting component is arranged on the joint component, a plurality of connecting terminals are arranged on the connecting component, the plurality of connecting terminals comprise at least one data signal terminal, and the data signal terminal is used for transmitting USB data between the shooting device and the accessory. Thus, USB data communication between the shooting device and the accessory installed on the accessory connecting device can be achieved through the accessory connecting device, function diversification of the accessory connecting device is achieved, and function expansion of the accessory connecting device is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a shooting device and communication accessories. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, cameras typically have a connector for attaching accessories such as flash units. This connector transmits control signals to the flash unit, thus controlling it. As user needs become more diverse, higher demands are being placed on the functionality of these connectors. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this application provides a shooting device and communication accessories.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a shooting device is provided, the shooting device including a body and an accessory connection device disposed on the body, the accessory connection device including a coupling member for cooperating with an accessory to install the accessory; and a connecting member disposed on the coupling member, the connecting member having a plurality of connecting terminals, the plurality of connecting terminals including at least one data signal terminal for transmitting USB data between the shooting device and the accessory.

[0005] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a communication accessory is provided, the communication accessory comprising: a functional body including a communication module; a mating member connected to the functional body, the mating member being configured to mate with a shooting device as described in the first aspect; and at least one communication terminal for connecting to at least one data signal terminal on the accessory connection device, the communication terminal being configured to transmit USB data between the shooting device and the accessory.

[0006] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0007] The shooting device provided in this application has at least one data signal terminal on the connecting member of the accessory connecting device. USB data can be transmitted to the accessory that mates with the engaging member of the accessory connecting device via the data signal terminal. This enables USB data communication between the shooting device and the accessory mounted on the accessory connecting device, diversifying the functionality of the accessory connecting device and facilitating its functional expansion.

[0008] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an imaging device provided in one embodiment of this application is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the imaging device provided in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0012] In the picture:

[0013] 1-Accessory connecting device; 11-Jointing component; 111-Connecting base plate; 112-Bending part; 12-Connecting component; 121-Limiting groove; 13-First data signal terminal; 14-Second data signal terminal; 15-Power supply terminal; 16-Grounding terminal; 17-Identification signal terminal; 18-Control signal terminal; 2-Processor; 3-Battery; 4-Main board. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0015] The hot shoe is a fixed interface slot for connecting various external accessories to various digital imaging equipment (including digital SLRs, DVs and traditional digital cameras). Accessories that can be connected include flashes, GPS locators, video lights and microphones, etc.

[0016] Typically, the main purpose of the hot shoe interface on a camera is to connect and secure an external flash unit, and to transmit control signals to the flash unit through the hot shoe interface to achieve coordinated operation between the camera and the flash unit.

[0017] However, with the diversification of user needs, higher requirements are being placed on the functionality of connection devices.

[0018] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a shooting device with at least one data signal terminal on a connecting member of an accessory connecting device. This data signal terminal enables the transmission of USB data to an accessory that mates with the engaging member of the accessory connecting device. This allows for USB data communication between the shooting device and the accessory mounted on the accessory connecting device, diversifying the functionality of the accessory connecting device and facilitating its functional expansion.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of this application provides a shooting device. Exemplarily, the shooting device includes, but is not limited to, shooting devices that can connect to external accessories, such as digital cameras, SLR cameras, and camcorders.

[0020] The shooting device includes a main body and an accessory connection device 1 disposed on the main body. The accessory connection device 1 is used to connect and fix external accessories to realize the installation between the accessories and the shooting device.

[0021] The accessory connection device 1 includes a coupling member 11 and a connecting member 12. The coupling member 11 is used to mate with an accessory to install the accessory. Exemplarily, the coupling member 11 may be a slot in the form of a hot shoe interface, into which the accessory is inserted to achieve the installation of the accessory; the coupling member 11 may also be a slot structure, into which the accessory is snapped to achieve the installation of the accessory, etc., without specific limitation. The accessory may be, for example, an external flash, microphone, LED light, viewfinder, monitor, GPS module, and communication accessories equipped with a communication module (such as a 4G module, 5G module, etc.), etc., which are external accessories that can work in coordination with the shooting device.

[0022] A connecting member 12 is disposed on the engaging member 11. The connecting member 12 has multiple connecting terminals and provides a mounting platform for the multiple connecting terminals to facilitate their assembly and fixation. The multiple connecting terminals include at least one data signal terminal. Exemplarily, there may be only one data signal terminal among the multiple connecting terminals, or there may be multiple data signal terminals, such as two, four, etc. The data signal terminal is used to transmit USB data between the accessory mating with the engaging member 11 and the imaging device. The USB data includes, but is not limited to, image data, audio data, real-time data, sensor data, text data, and auxiliary data (such as status information and error reports).

[0023] When the accessory mates with the connecting member 11 to be mounted on the shooting device, the connection terminals on the accessory are electrically connected to the connection terminals on the connecting member 11. For example, when a communication accessory equipped with a communication module mates with the connecting member 11, the communication terminals on the communication accessory are electrically connected to the data signal terminals, transmitting USB signals to the accessory mounted on the shooting device via the data signal terminals. For instance, when the shooting device is broadcasting live outdoors, real-time data (e.g., video streams, audio streams, etc.) from the shooting device can be transmitted to the communication accessory via the data signal terminals, and then the real-time data can be transmitted to the internet via the communication module on the communication accessory. This avoids the problem of network lag affecting the live broadcast when the shooting device is broadcasting in outdoor environments or other environments with poor network signals, thereby improving the live broadcast effect. Alternatively, image data (e.g., photos, videos, etc. from the shooting device's memory card) can also be transmitted to the communication accessory via the data signal terminals, thereby enabling backup of image data in the shooting device or uploading image data from the shooting device to the internet.

[0024] For example, when external flash, viewfinder, or other auxiliary accessories are used in conjunction with the connecting member 11, the connection terminals on the auxiliary accessories are electrically connected to other connection terminals (such as control signal terminals 18) among the multiple connection terminals on the connecting member 11. The control signal of the shooting device is transmitted to the auxiliary accessories through the control signal terminals 18 to improve the stability of the control of the auxiliary accessories, thereby improving the shooting effect.

[0025] Alternatively, when the microphone mates with the engagement member 11, the connection terminal on the microphone is electrically connected to the data signal terminal, and audio data is transmitted between the shooting device and the microphone through the data signal terminal.

[0026] This configuration allows the accessory connection device 1 on the shooting device to support USB data communication, enabling USB data communication between the shooting device and the accessories installed on the accessory connection device 1. This diversifies the functions of the accessory connection device 1, facilitating its functional expansion. Furthermore, it allows for a variety of accessory types that can be connected to the shooting device, thus meeting different user needs and enhancing the user experience.

[0027] Combination Figure 1In some embodiments of this application, the shooting device is provided with a mounting groove, the accessory connecting device 1 is disposed in the mounting groove, and the connecting member 11 includes a connecting base plate 111 and connecting side plates disposed on opposite sides of the connecting base plate 111. The connecting member is disposed on the connecting base plate 111. The ends of the two connecting side plates away from the connecting base plate 111 are provided with bent portions 112, the bending directions of the bent portions 112 of the two connecting side plates are opposite and spaced apart by a preset distance. The connecting base plate 111 and the two connecting side plates together form two opposing openings. One opening is sealed by the groove sidewall of the mounting groove, and the accessory can be inserted through the other opening along... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The y-direction shown extends from the insertion point to the side wall of the mounting groove. This arrangement simplifies the design of the accessory connection device 1, facilitates production and processing, and also facilitates the installation of accessories, while improving the stability of the accessories mounted on the accessory connection device 1.

[0028] Multiple limiting grooves 121 are provided on the surface of the connecting member 12, and the extending direction of each limiting groove 121 is parallel to the installation direction of the accessory. The accessory is provided with limiting protrusions that mate with each limiting groove 121. When the accessory is installed on the accessory connecting device 1, each limiting protrusion engages with its corresponding limiting groove 121. This not only further improves the stability of the accessory installed on the accessory connecting device 1, but also improves the accuracy of the correspondence between the connecting terminals on the connecting member 12 and the connecting terminals on the accessory, thereby enhancing the stability of the electrical connection between the two.

[0029] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, at least one data signal terminal includes a first data signal terminal 13 (e.g., a D+ signal terminal) and a second data signal terminal 14 (e.g., a D- signal terminal). The first data signal terminal 13 and the second data signal terminal 14 transmit USB data differentially. The first ends of the first data signal terminal 13 and the second data signal terminal 14 are used for electrical connection with the communication terminal of the accessory mating on the connecting member 11. The second ends of the first data signal terminal 13 and the second data signal terminal 14 are electrically connected to the processor 2 of the shooting device, thereby ensuring the real-time performance and accuracy of USB data transmission.

[0030] The multiple connection terminals also include a power supply terminal 15 and a ground terminal 16. The power supply terminal 15 supplies power to the accessory that mates with the connecting member 11. A first end of the power supply terminal 15 is electrically connected to the battery 3 of the shooting device, and a second end of the power supply terminal 15 is electrically connected to the power supply terminal of the accessory mating with the connecting member 11. The ground terminal 16 is used for grounding. A first end of the ground terminal 16 is electrically connected to the motherboard 4 of the shooting device to achieve grounding, and a second end of the ground terminal 16 is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the accessory mating with the connecting member 11. When the accessory with a USB data cable interface mates with the connecting member 11, the power supply terminal 15 and the ground terminal 16 of the connecting member 11, together with the power supply terminal and the ground terminal on the accessory, form a charging circuit, thereby enabling power transfer between the shooting device and the accessory.

[0031] Thus, the first data signal terminal 13, the second data signal terminal 14, the power supply terminal 15, and the ground terminal 16 together form the standard USB-A interface of the USB data cable. This not only simplifies the setup of the accessory connection device 1 but also improves the stability of USB data transmission and the versatility of the accessory connection device 1. Furthermore, the above setup allows for the simultaneous transmission of USB data to the accessory and the supply of power to the accessory, enhancing the stability of the shooting device during operation.

[0032] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the first data signal terminal 13 and the second data signal terminal 14 are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and the power supply terminal 15 and the ground terminal 16 are arranged at intervals along the first direction. The first data signal terminal 13 is arranged opposite to one of the ground terminal 16 or the power supply terminal 15 in a second direction, and the second data signal terminal 14 is arranged opposite to the other of the ground terminal 16 or the power supply terminal 15 in a second direction. The first direction is parallel to the mounting direction of the accessory, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second direction, as shown in the diagram, forms an angle with the first direction. This angle can be, for example, 30°, 60°, or, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The x-direction perpendicular to the first direction is shown, but is not limited thereto. This arrangement avoids signal interference between the various connection terminals, thereby further improving the stability of USB data transmission. Furthermore, it improves space utilization on the connection member 12, allowing for the installation of more connection terminals and further enhancing the functionality of the accessory connection device 1.

[0033] In designing the accessory connection device 1, the inventors found that when connecting accessories with different functions, users needed to identify the type of accessory being installed, which was cumbersome. Therefore, the inventors further provide a solution where the accessory connection device 1 allows the shooting device to automatically identify the type of accessory connected to it, eliminating the need for user identification. Combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, multiple connection terminals include an identification signal terminal 17, which is used to receive identification signals sent by accessories that mate with the connecting member 11. This allows the shooting device to automatically identify the type of accessory via the identification signal terminal 17, eliminating the need for user identification and improving the ease of use of the shooting device. Furthermore, by providing the identification signal terminal 17, the shooting device can automatically adjust to the corresponding operating mode based on the accessory type identified by the identification signal terminal 17, replacing manual adjustment by the user and further enhancing the ease of use of the shooting device.

[0034] For example, when the accessory mating with the connecting member 11 is identified as a communication accessory, the shooting device automatically enters data transmission mode to transmit USB data to the communication accessory. When the accessory mating with the connecting member 11 is identified as an external flash, the shooting device automatically enters flash mode to transmit control signals to the external flash.

[0035] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, in a first direction parallel to the mounting direction of the accessory (e.g.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the y-direction shown in the diagram, the identification signal terminal 17 is located between the first data signal terminal 13 and the second data signal terminal 14 on the connecting member 12, and in the second direction (e.g., the direction that forms an angle with the first direction) Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the x-direction shown, the identification signal terminal 17 is located between the first data signal terminal 13 and the ground terminal 16 on the connecting member 12. This arrangement, on the one hand, avoids signal interference between the connecting terminals by distributing them at intervals. On the other hand, it further improves the space utilization of the connecting member 12.

[0036] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments of this application, multiple connection terminals include control signal terminals 18, which are used to transmit control signals to accessories that mate with the connecting member 11. For example, when an auxiliary accessory such as an external flash mates with the connecting member 11, the control signal terminal 18 is electrically connected to the connection terminals on the auxiliary accessory, and control signals are transmitted to the auxiliary accessory through the control signal terminal 18 to improve the stability of the control of the auxiliary accessory, thereby improving the shooting effect.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the shooting device further includes a control module, which is electrically connected to each connection terminal on the accessory connection device 1. When the accessory mates with the connecting member 11 to be mounted on the shooting device, the connection terminals on the accessory are electrically connected to the connection terminals on the connecting member 11. When the accessory (e.g., a communication accessory, microphone, etc.) is mounted on the accessory connection device 1, the control module can control the shooting device to transmit USB data between the shooting device and the accessory via data signal terminals.

[0038] This configuration allows the accessory connection device 1 on the shooting device to support USB data communication, enabling USB data communication between the shooting device and the accessories installed on the accessory connection device 1. This diversifies the functions of the accessory connection device 1, facilitating its functional expansion. Furthermore, it allows for a variety of accessory types that can be connected to the shooting device, thus meeting different user needs and enhancing the user experience.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the shooting device also includes a WIFI module. The shooting device can transmit photos or videos without a data cable connection through the built-in WIFI module to realize functions such as live streaming, remote shooting or photo reading.

[0040] When the accessory installed on accessory connection device 1 is a communication accessory, the control module controls the shooting device to preferentially use the communication module in the communication accessory. The communication module can be, for example, a 4G communication module, a 5G communication module, etc. This ensures the stability of data communication of the shooting device. For example, it can avoid the problem of network lag affecting the live broadcast when the shooting device is broadcasting in outdoor environments or other environments with poor network signals, thereby further improving the reliability of the shooting device and the user experience.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the control module is further configured to, when an accessory is installed on the accessory connection device 1, control the shooting device to enter a working mode corresponding to the type of accessory identified by the identification signal terminal 17. For example, when the accessory cooperating with the connecting member 11 is identified as a communication accessory, the shooting device automatically enters a data transmission mode to transmit USB data to the communication accessory. When the accessory cooperating with the connecting member 11 is identified as an external flash, the shooting device automatically enters a flash mode to transmit control signals to the external flash. This allows the shooting device to automatically identify the type of accessory via the identification signal terminal 17, eliminating the need for user identification and improving the ease of use of the shooting device. Furthermore, by providing the identification signal terminal 17, the shooting device can automatically adjust itself to a working mode corresponding to the accessory type identified by the identification signal terminal 17, replacing manual adjustment by the user and further improving the ease of use of the shooting device.

[0042] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a communication accessory, which includes a functional body, a mating member, and at least one communication terminal. The functional body includes a communication module. The communication module may be, for example, a 4G communication module, a 5G communication module, etc. The mating member is connected to the functional body and is used to mate with the accessory connection device 1 described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The accessory connection device 1 includes a engaging member 11 and a connecting member 12. The engaging member 11 is used to mate with the accessory to install the accessory. The connecting member 12 is disposed on the engaging member 11 and has a plurality of connecting terminals, including at least one data signal terminal. The data signal terminal is used to transmit USB data between the accessory mating with the engaging member 11 and the imaging device. The USB data includes, but is not limited to, image data, audio data, real-time data, sensor data, text data, and auxiliary data (such as status information and error reports).

[0043] When the communication accessory is installed on the accessory connection device 1, at least one communication terminal is electrically connected to at least one data signal terminal on the accessory connection device 1. The data signal terminal transmits USB data to the accessory that mates with the connecting member 11, and the communication terminal receives the USB data transmitted from the data signal terminal. Alternatively, the communication terminal transmits USB data to the shooting device, and the data signal terminal receives the USB data transmitted from the communication terminal.

[0044] In this way, the accessory connection device 1 on the shooting device can support the function of USB data communication, thereby realizing USB data communication between the shooting device and the communication accessory. This not only diversifies the functions of the accessory connection device 1, thus facilitating the functional expansion of the accessory connection device 1, but also enables the diversification of the types of accessories that can be connected to the shooting device, thereby meeting different user needs and improving the user experience.

[0045] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention filed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not claimed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0046] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shooting device, characterized in that, The shooting device includes a main body and an accessory connecting device disposed on the main body, the accessory connecting device including: A connecting member for engaging with a fitting to install the fitting; A connecting member is disposed on the joining member, and the connecting member is provided with a plurality of connecting terminals, the plurality of connecting terminals including at least one data signal terminal, the data signal terminal being used to transmit USB data between the shooting device and the accessory.

2. The shooting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one data signal terminal includes a first data signal terminal and a second data signal terminal, wherein the first data signal terminal and the second data signal terminal transmit the USB data in a differential manner; The plurality of connection terminals also include: A power supply terminal for supplying power to the accessory that mates with the engaging member; A grounding terminal, which is used for grounding.

3. The shooting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first data signal terminal and the second data signal terminal are arranged at intervals along a first direction, the power supply terminal and the ground terminal are arranged at intervals along the first direction, the first data signal terminal is arranged opposite to one of the ground terminal or the power supply terminal in a second direction, and the second data signal terminal is arranged opposite to the other of the ground terminal or the power supply terminal in the second direction. Wherein, the first direction is parallel to the installation direction of the accessory, and the second direction is set at an angle to the first direction.

4. The shooting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The plurality of connection terminals include an identification signal terminal for receiving an identification signal sent by the accessory that mates with the engagement member; and / or, the accessory includes at least one or more of a flash, viewfinder, monitor, microphone, GPS module, and communication accessory.

5. The shooting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, In a first direction parallel to the installation direction of the accessory, the identification signal terminal is located between the first data signal terminal and the second data signal terminal on the connecting member; in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, the identification signal terminal is located between the first data signal terminal and the grounding terminal on the connecting member.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The plurality of connection terminals include control signal terminals for transmitting control signals to the fittings that mate with the engagement member.

7. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The imaging device also includes: The control module is electrically connected to the plurality of the connection terminals, and the control module is configured to transmit USB data between the shooting device and the accessory via the data signal terminals when the accessory is installed on the accessory connection device.

8. The shooting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The shooting device also includes a WIFI module, and the control module is configured to control the shooting device to preferentially use the communication module in the communication accessory when the communication accessory is installed in the accessory connection device.

9. The shooting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module is configured to, when the accessory is installed on the accessory connection device, control the shooting device to enter a working mode corresponding to the type of the accessory based on the type of the accessory identified by the identification signal terminal.

10. A communication accessory, characterized in that, The communication accessories include: The functional body includes a communication module; A mating component is connected to the functional body, the mating component being used to mate with the shooting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; At least one communication terminal is provided for connection to at least one data signal terminal on the accessory connection device, the communication terminal being used to transmit USB data between the shooting device and the accessory.

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