Camera Body Accessory Connection Detection via Signal Level Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses, such as digital cameras, face inefficiencies in detecting connections between camera bodies and accessories, and in switching communication methods, as they require communication to confirm compatibility and connection, which is time-consuming and may adversely affect accessories compatible only with the initial method.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a method where the camera body transmits data synchronously with a clock signal to detect accessory connection and compatibility by changing data levels, allowing for communication using either the first or second method without initial communication, using level changing units and detection units to determine accessory connection and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If communication is performed to confirm connection and compatibility between camera body and accessory, then connection detection accuracy is improved, but switching time and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The camera body performs preliminary actions by transmitting test signals through multiple communication methods before actual use. The system pre-tests both first and second communication methods to identify which one the accessory supports, storing this information for future operations. This eliminates the need for time-consuming compatibility checks during actual communication sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different communication methods based on real-time detection results. The camera body can adaptively select the appropriate communication protocol (first or second method) depending on which one the accessory is confirmed to support, making the system flexible and responsive rather than static and rigid.
2Reliability
If communication is performed using the first communication method to confirm compatibility before switching to the second method, then compatibility confirmation is achieved, but the switching process takes much time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compatibility testing for both communication methods simultaneously during initialization. The camera body sends test signals through both the first and second communication methods to determine which ones the accessory supports, storing these compatibility results for future use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for sequential testing during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters by switching between different protocols (first communication method with its specific signal levels and timing, versus second communication method with different parameters). The camera body can dynamically adjust which set of parameters is active based on the detected accessory capabilities, optimizing both reliability and speed.
3Reliability
If determination processing is performed to verify connection accuracy, then connection verification reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera body performs preliminary connection verification by transmitting test signals and analyzing responses before actual communication begins. The system pre-determines whether the accessory is properly connected and compatible during initialization, so that subsequent operations can proceed without repeated verification delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips redundant verification steps during actual communication by relying on the preliminary determination results. Once connection and compatibility are confirmed during initialization, the camera body can directly use the identified communication method without repeating the full verification process, thus rushing through what would otherwise be time-consuming checks.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus capable of confirming connection between a body and an accessory without performing communication therebetween. When transmitting first data to the accessory in synchronism with a clock signal and receiving second data from the accessory in synchronism with the clock signal, the body can perform data communication selectively by the first or second communication method. A body microcomputer changes the level of the first data from high level to low, and then further changes the same from low to high in a state where the clock signal is at high in the first communication method. The microcomputer detects a change in level of the second data responsive to the change in level of the first data, and detects accessory connection and compatibility with the second communication method based on detection result.