Accessory State Notification in Power Saving Mode

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image pickup systems, such as digital cameras, fail to promptly notify the camera of state changes in accessories like flash devices when the camera is in power saving mode, leading to delayed startup and inability to detect accessory detachment.

Innovation Solution

An accessory with a memory device and processor that transmits information to the camera through periodic communication, responds to inquiries, and notifies the camera of state changes even when the camera is in power saving mode, using SPI and I2C communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the image pickup apparatus is in power saving mode with the controller not operating, then power consumption is reduced, but the flash device cannot notify the image pickup apparatus of state changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidstate change notification

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The flash device performs preliminary actions by periodically transmitting its state information to the image pickup apparatus before the apparatus enters power saving mode. The flash device maintains communication readiness and pre-establishes data transmission schedules, ensuring that when the apparatus wakes up, it already has the necessary state information without requiring continuous power consumption during sleep mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the flash device monitors its own state changes and autonomously transmits notifications to the image pickup apparatus. The apparatus also sends inquiry signals to check flash device status, creating a bidirectional feedback loop that ensures state information is exchanged even when the apparatus is in power saving mode, resolving the information loss problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flash device determines the state of the image pickup apparatus after the state change, then the flash device can operate independently, but the period from state change to startup becomes long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operationVSAvoidstartup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flash device performs preliminary actions by periodically transmitting its state information to the image pickup apparatus before the apparatus enters power saving mode. The flash device maintains communication readiness and pre-establishes data transmission schedules, ensuring that when the apparatus wakes up, it already has the necessary state information without requiring continuous power consumption during sleep mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication between the flash device and image pickup apparatus maintains continuity through periodic transmission and inquiry mechanisms. Even when the apparatus is in power saving mode, the flash device continues to transmit state information at predetermined intervals, and the apparatus can send inquiry signals when waking up, ensuring continuous information exchange without complete communication breakdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If the flash device is detached from the image pickup apparatus in power saving mode, then the accessory connection is broken, but the flash device cannot detect the detachment state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory detachmentVSAvoiddetachment detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the flash device monitors its own state changes and autonomously transmits notifications to the image pickup apparatus. The apparatus also sends inquiry signals to check flash device status, creating a bidirectional feedback loop that ensures state information is exchanged even when the apparatus is in power saving mode, resolving the information loss problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The flash device performs preliminary actions by periodically transmitting its state information to the image pickup apparatus before the apparatus enters power saving mode. The flash device maintains communication readiness and pre-establishes data transmission schedules, ensuring that when the apparatus wakes up, it already has the necessary state information without requiring continuous power consumption during sleep mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11843857B2Accessory that is detachably connected to electronic apparatus, electronic apparatus, and image pickup system

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 CANON KK

AI summary

An accessory capable of promptly notifying an electronic apparatus of its state change. The accessory is detachably connected to an electronic apparatus. A first transmission unit transmits first information among information stored in the accessory to the electronic apparatus in response to periodic first communication from a first communication unit of the electronic apparatus. A second transmission unit responds to inquiry by second communication from a second communication unit of the electronic apparatus. A notification unit notifies the electronic apparatus of state change of the accessory when the electronic apparatus is in a first state or a second state and the state of the accessory is changed. In the first state, the first communication is stopped and the second communication unit is in a standby mode. In the second state, power supply to the first communication unit is stopped and the second communication unit is in the standby mode.