Accessory Shoe Port Routing for Multiple Identical Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face communication errors when multiple accessories of the same type are connected to an imaging device due to shared communication addresses, preventing effective communication with each accessory.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with an adapter and processor that detects mounted accessories, transmits accessory type and port information to the imaging device, and controls communication commands to ensure each accessory can be uniquely addressed and communicated with.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an electronic apparatus allows connection of multiple accessories to expand functionality, then the quantity of connectable accessories increases, but communication errors occur due to duplicate communication addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system by introducing port information that divides the accessory address space. Each accessory is identified by a combination of its type address and the port number, creating unique segmented identifiers that prevent address conflicts when multiple accessories of the same type are connected
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic apparatus acts as an intermediary that receives communication commands with port information, processes the routing logic, and forwards commands to the appropriate accessory. This mediator function resolves address conflicts by adding port-based discrimination to the communication path
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories of the same type are connected to utilize their functions, then the versatility of the system improves, but communication address duplication prevents effective communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the communication addressing system by introducing port information as an additional identifier layer. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish between accessories of the same type by their connection port, enabling multiple identical accessories to coexist without address conflicts
3Measurement precision
If port information is added to communication commands to identify accessories, then communication precision improves, but data transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication format that incorporates port information applicable to all accessory types. This multi-functional addressing system handles both single and multiple accessories of the same type using the same protocol structure, reducing the need for type-specific communication logic
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus, including a plurality of accessory shoes on each of which an accessory is mountable, the accessory being capable of being mounted on the accessory shoe of a first device, executes a connection detection process to detect mounting of an accessory, and executes a control process to, in a case where it is detected that an accessory has been mounted in the connection detection process, transmit, to the first device, information including a type of a mounted accessory and first port information indicating the accessory shoe on which the mounted accessory is mounted, and in a case where a communication command appended with second port information indicating an accessory shoe to be used for communication is received from the first device, transmit the communication command, from which the second port information is deleted, to the accessory mounted on the accessory shoe.