Accessory Shoe Wireless Link for High-Capacity Camera Attachments

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing accessory shoe apparatus for electronic devices, such as image pickup apparatuses, has limited communication speed and capacity due to a finite number of connection terminals, restricting the functionality of attached accessories.

Innovation Solution

An accessory shoe apparatus with an engagement member and a communication element that enables wireless communication through an opening portion, allowing for high-speed and large-capacity communication between the electronic apparatus and the accessory apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If only a finite number of connection terminals are used in the accessory shoe apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the communication speed and communication capacity between the image pickup apparatus and the accessory apparatus are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidnumber of connection terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection terminal system with a wireless communication system. The engagement member includes an opening portion that allows wireless signals to pass through, enabling communication without physical electrical contacts. This substitution eliminates the limitation of finite connection terminals while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical engagement between the accessory shoe apparatus and the accessory apparatus, and simultaneously functions as a wireless communication interface through its opening portion. This multi-functionality allows high-speed communication without adding complex terminal structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If only a finite number of connection terminals are used in the accessory shoe apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the communication capacity between the image pickup apparatus and the accessory apparatus is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidnumber of connection terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection terminal system with a wireless communication system. The engagement member includes an opening portion that allows wireless signals to pass through, enabling communication without physical electrical contacts. This substitution eliminates the limitation of finite connection terminals while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional electrical contact through terminals to three-dimensional wireless signal transmission through the opening portion. This dimensional change enables much higher communication capacity by utilizing electromagnetic wave propagation in multiple directions and frequencies, rather than being constrained to discrete terminal contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If wireless communication is enabled through the opening portion of the engagement member, then communication speed and capacity are improved, but the structural complexity of the engagement member increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidstructure of engagement member

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement member serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical engagement between the accessory shoe apparatus and the accessory apparatus, and simultaneously functions as a wireless communication interface through its opening portion. This multi-functionality allows high-speed communication without adding complex terminal structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member is designed with an opening portion that acts as a waveguide or signal passage, allowing wireless signals to penetrate through the structure. This design integrates communication functionality into the structural component itself without requiring separate complex communication hardware, thus minimizing additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11841606B2Accessory shoe apparatus, electronic apparatus, shoe apparatus and accessory apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 CANON KK

AI summary

An accessory shoe apparatus on an electronic apparatus includes an engagement member and a communication. A shoe apparatus on an accessory apparatus is detachably attachable to the accessory shoe apparatus. The engagement member engages with the shoe apparatus and including an opening portion that faces the engaged shoe apparatus. The communication element performs wireless communication with the shoe apparatus via an inside of the opening portion.