Accessory Detection via Intermediate Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup systems fail to properly detect and process the attachment of intermediate accessories, leading to unavailable functions of main accessories when an intermediate accessory is attached between the imaging apparatus and the main accessory.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with processors and memory that can receive and process information about the operation of attached accessories, allowing different control over the operation of main accessories based on the attachment of intermediate accessories, ensuring proper detection and processing of accessory functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate accessory is attached between the electronic apparatus and the main accessory, then the extensibility and adaptability of the system are improved, but the detection precision and reliability of accessory attachment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate accessory as a mediator between the electronic apparatus and the main accessory. This intermediary component enables system extensibility while maintaining reliable detection through active participation in communication protocols. The intermediate accessory includes a processor that actively transmits identification information and participates in three-way communication, resolving the detection precision issue that would otherwise arise from its presence in the connection chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the intermediate accessory actively transmits identification information back to the electronic apparatus. This feedback loop enables the electronic apparatus to detect and recognize the intermediate accessory's presence, maintaining detection precision despite the added complexity of the intermediate component in the system chain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate accessory is attached between the electronic apparatus and the main accessory, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the reliability of function availability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate accessory serves as a reliable mediator that actively manages communication between the electronic apparatus and the main accessory. Through its processor, it ensures that identification information is transmitted and that function availability is properly managed, maintaining system reliability despite the additional connection layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate accessory is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both being detected as an accessory and facilitating communication with other accessories. This universal design ensures that the same component can reliably handle multiple roles: being identified by the electronic apparatus, transmitting identification information, and managing main accessory functions, thereby maintaining reliability across different operational scenarios.
3Device complexity
If the electronic apparatus detects only the main accessory attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information about intermediate accessories increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate accessory implements a feedback mechanism by actively transmitting its identification information to the electronic apparatus. This feedback ensures that the electronic apparatus receives complete information about all accessories in the system chain without requiring complex detection mechanisms, resolving the information loss issue while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate accessory performs preliminary action by proactively transmitting its identification information before the main accessory is fully initialized. This preliminary information transmission ensures that the electronic apparatus has complete accessory information available from the start, eliminating information loss without adding detection complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus to which an accessory is detachably attached, the electronic apparatus includes a receiving unit and a processing unit. In a case where a first accessory is attached to the electronic apparatus via a second accessory, the receiving unit receives, from the first accessory, first information indicating whether or not an operation of the first accessory attached to the electronic apparatus via the second accessory is to be permitted, and the processing unit makes different control over the operation of the first accessory in accordance with the first information.