Interchangeable Lens Camera Autofocus Signal Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens-interchangeable camera systems do not achieve improved accuracy in autofocus operations using the contrast detection method, as they primarily focus on enhancing the phase-difference detection method rather than improving the accuracy of focus information obtained by the contrast method.
Innovation Solution
A camera system configuration that includes an interchangeable lens with a focus lens, position detector, storage unit, and lens controller, and a camera body with an imaging unit, timing signal transmission unit, drive signal transmission unit, and body controller, which allows for accurate detection of the focus lens position and synchronization of timing signals to enhance contrast autofocus operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lens controller continuously transmits position information to the camera body during focus lens movement, then the accuracy of contrast autofocus operation is improved, but signal collisions may occur between timing signals and position information requests
Solution Approach 1:
The lens controller stores position information in advance in a storage unit during focus lens movement, so that when the camera body requests position information, it is immediately available for transmission without causing signal collisions. This preliminary storage action ensures both continuous position tracking and reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal transmission process into distinct phases: position information is stored separately in a storage unit during focus movement, and transmitted separately when requested by the camera body. This segmentation prevents timing signal collisions while maintaining continuous position data availability.
2Extent of automation
If the system uses both timing signals and position information request signals simultaneously, then comprehensive control is achieved, but processing conflicts occur in the lens controller
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit acts as an intermediary between the position detector and the camera body. It buffers position information, allowing the lens controller to handle timing signals and position information requests separately without processing conflicts, thus simplifying the control logic while maintaining automated autofocus functionality.
3Measurement precision
If position information is stored and transmitted continuously, then focus tracking accuracy is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic timing signals from the camera body to trigger position information requests at appropriate intervals during focus movement. This periodic communication approach maintains accurate focus tracking while minimizing unnecessary communication overhead and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
In a camera system including an interchangeable lens and a camera body, a lens controller performs control to detect a position of a focus lens in synchronous with a predetermined timing received from the camera body, store it in a storage unit, and transmit it to the camera body when receiving a position information request signal for requesting transmission of position information stored in the storage unit. The body controller performs control so that a timing of transmission of the position information request signal does not overlap a timing of transmission of the timing signal.