Battery Control Section for Seamless Video Camera Power Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
When using multiple batteries with video cameras, power supply interruptions occur during battery replacement, requiring temporary shutdowns due to the time needed for the device to reinitialize after battery data installation, disrupting continuous video recording.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a control section that prioritizes the rearmost battery for power discharge, allowing continuous operation by switching to the next battery when the rearmost is depleted, and conserves power by stopping discharge from other batteries until necessary, enabling seamless replacement without shutting down the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple batteries are attached to the video camera to extend recording time, then the battery capacity is increased, but the video recording cannot be started immediately after battery replacement because the computer needs time to reinstall program data
Solution Approach 1:
The control section pre-loads program data into a buffer memory before battery replacement occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the battery is swapped, the computer can immediately resume operation using the pre-loaded data, eliminating the reinstallation delay and enabling continuous video recording without interruption
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer memory acts as an intermediary between the battery power supply and the computer system. The buffer stores program data and maintains system operation temporarily during battery replacement, mediating the power transition and preventing direct interruption to the video recording process
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple batteries are attached to the video camera, then the battery capacity is increased, but it becomes necessary to replace batteries one by one from the front, causing power supply interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing batteries from the front (first battery attached to camera), the system inverts the replacement sequence by designating the rearmost battery as the primary power source. The control section monitors battery levels and automatically switches power supply to the rearmost battery, allowing users to replace only the depleted front battery without interrupting power supply, thus simplifying the replacement operation
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple batteries are attached to the video camera, then the battery capacity is increased, but the device complexity increases due to multiple attaching parts and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching part structure is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: mechanical connection, electrical power transmission, and data communication between batteries and the camera. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system structure despite supporting multiple batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply control and battery monitoring functions into a single integrated control section within the camera. This control section manages multiple batteries, monitors their charge levels, and automatically switches between them, merging multiple control functions into one unified system that reduces operational complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery capable of continuously supplying electric power to an electronic device such as a video camera easily without turning off the power supply of the electronic device. Also provided is a control method for the battery. A battery 1 is detachably attached to a video camera 70 or a preceding battery attached to the video camera 70. The battery 1 has a control section 60. When detecting that no subsequent battery is attached to the battery 1 (step ST1-1), the control section 60 discharges electric power from the battery 1 to the video camera 70 or the preceding battery attached to a first attaching part 11 (step ST1-7). When detecting that a subsequent battery is attached to the battery 1, the control section 60 stops discharging electric power from the battery 1 to the video camera 70 or the preceding battery attached to the first attaching part 11 and enables discharging electric power from the subsequent battery to the video camera 70 or the preceding battery (step ST1-5).