Accessory Control Unit Interrupt Signal Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems that include an electronic apparatus and an accessory face challenges in efficiently communicating various commands, notifications, and information between the two, particularly in notifying the electronic apparatus of communication permissions and acquiring accessory information.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an accessory with a control unit that includes communication contacts, processors, and memory. This control unit notifies the electronic apparatus of a communication request by changing the signal level of a specific contact and transmits information indicating a communication factor in response to a request, enabling efficient communication without the need for periodic polling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic apparatus notifies the accessory of communication permission using interrupt signals and periodic polling, then communication reliability is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to continuous polling overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional polling architecture by enabling the accessory to actively notify the electronic apparatus of communication readiness through interrupt signals. Instead of the electronic apparatus continuously querying the accessory, the accessory initiates communication when ready, eliminating polling overhead while maintaining reliable connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory performs self-service by autonomously managing communication initiation. When the accessory becomes ready for communication, it automatically generates interrupt signals to notify the electronic apparatus, without requiring continuous external polling. This self-service mechanism improves efficiency while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication contacts are used between the electronic apparatus and accessory, then communication functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidnumber of contacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing communication contacts to serve dual purposes: both data communication and power supply functions. The accessory can receive power through the same interface used for data communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power contacts and reducing overall interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges power supply and communication functions into a single interface. By combining these functions, the system reduces the number of required contacts while maintaining full communication capability, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the system waits for power supply start before initiating communication, then power consumption is reduced, but communication response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the accessory prepare communication resources in advance while in a low-power state. The accessory can pre-configure communication parameters and maintain readiness without full power consumption, then quickly transition to active communication mode when triggered, reducing both power consumption and response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power management where the accessory can rapidly transition between low-power and full-power states. The system dynamically adjusts power consumption based on communication needs, entering low-power mode when idle and quickly activating when communication is required, thereby balancing power savings with responsive performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12265316B2Electronic apparatus and its control method, and accessory and its control method

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 CANON KK

AI summary

An accessory includes a plurality of communication contacts that includes a first contact, and a control unit that notifies an electronic apparatus of a communication request by changing a signal level of the first contact from a first signal level to a second signal level different from the first signal level, and transmits information indicating a communication factor in response to a reception of a request for the information indicating the communication factor in response to a notification of the communication request. In a case where the control unit notifies the electronic apparatus of the communication request via the first contact in response to a start of a power supply, the control unit performs predetermined communication without receiving the request for the information indicating the communication factor or transmitting the information indicating the communication factor.