Accessory Controller Connector Detection for Camera Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery grips with multiple connectors often malfunction due to improper attachment, where one connector is not electrically connected, disrupting power and communication between the camera and the accessory, leading to operational failures.
Innovation Solution
An accessory with a first connector for power and a second connector for communication, along with an accessory controller that sends detection signals to determine proper attachment, ensuring both connectors are securely connected for normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery grip has two connectors (one for power, one for communication), then more functions are added to the accessory, but the accessory may not be normally attached to the image pickup apparatus causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory controller performs preliminary detection of connector attachment status before initiating normal operation. It sends detection signals through both connectors and verifies their status in advance, preventing malfunction before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the attachment status of both connectors through detection signals. The accessory controller receives feedback from the image pickup apparatus about connector status and adjusts operation accordingly, ensuring reliable operation with multiple connectors
2Reliability
If the accessory controller sends detection signals to verify both connectors are attached, then malfunction is prevented, but the initial setting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection signal process is merged with the existing initial setting procedure. The accessory controller integrates connector status verification into the standard attachment sequence, so that detection signals are sent as part of the normal initialization process rather than as a separate complex procedure
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus includes a first connector connectable to the image pickup apparatus, a second connector connectable to the image pickup apparatus, and an accessory controller configured to communicate with the image pickup apparatus. The accessory controller, in an initial setting after the accessory is attached to the image pickup apparatus, sends a first detection signal to the image pickup apparatus via the first connector and receives, in response to a second detection signal for detecting that the second connector is attached to the image pickup apparatus, a third detection signal from the image pickup apparatus via the second connector.