Camera Accessory Mount Recognition Rings for Visible Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing systems fail to easily recognize matching combinations of cameras and accessories due to similar mount diameters or hidden joint surfaces, leading to potential capture of unintended images.
Innovation Solution
The system includes camera and lens mount recognition rings with distinct colors and visible marks that remain visible with or without the accessory attached, facilitating easy recognition of compatible combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mount diameters are made substantially the same for different accessories, then interchangeability and ease of attachment are improved, but the ability to visually distinguish compatible combinations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to mount portions by providing a first mount portion with a first color and a second mount portion with a second color that differs from the first color. This allows users to visually distinguish between different mount types and identify compatible camera-accessory combinations without needing to examine detailed specifications or attempt physical attachment, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and visual recognition of compatibility.
2Reliability
If joint surfaces are hidden during attachment, then mechanical connection and protection are improved, but the ability to verify compatibility before attachment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the compatibility indication from the hidden joint surface dimension to the external visible dimension by providing colored mount portions on the outer surfaces of the camera body and accessory. This allows compatibility to be verified in a different dimensional space (external visibility) while maintaining the mechanical connection integrity through the hidden joint surfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable mechanical connection and detectability of compatibility.
3Measurement precision
If physical attachment is required to verify compatibility, then precise matching is ensured, but time consumption and user inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary visual verification of compatibility through color-coded mount portions before physical attachment occurs. Users can identify compatible combinations by observing the color matching between the camera body's mount portion and the accessory's mount portion, eliminating the need to attempt physical attachment to verify compatibility. This preliminary visual check significantly reduces time consumption while maintaining verification accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes a first mount portion and a first cylindrical member that has a color different from a color of a first mount portion and is disposed in a circumferential direction of a first mount, an accessory includes an exterior portion, a second mount portion, and a second cylindrical member having a color different from a color of a second mount portion and similar to a color of a first cylindrical member and disposed in a circumferential direction of a second mount, and in a state where an accessory is attached to an image capturing apparatus, reference surfaces of a first mount portion and a second mount portion are in contact with each other, and a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member are externally exposed regardless of whether an accessory is attached to or detached from an image capturing apparatus.