Camera Body Mount Adapting Control to Interchangeable Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems require cumbersome cable connections for data transfer and often necessitate large memory capacity for external unit control programs, leading to space inefficiency, poor usability, and increased installation costs.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system where the body unit detects and adapts control based on connected interchangeable lens or external units, allowing for wireless integration and reducing the need for extensive memory and additional control programs by using a common communications protocol for unit identification and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable connections are used for data transfer between camera and external devices, then data transfer function is achieved, but space efficiency deteriorates and appearance quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the external connection device directly into the camera body, merging previously separate components (camera and external device) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external cables and separate device housing, thereby improving space efficiency while maintaining data transfer functionality through integrated communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera body is designed with a universal mount part that can accommodate both lens units and external connection devices using the same mounting interface. This multi-functional design allows the camera to switch between imaging mode and external device connection mode without requiring separate connection mechanisms, improving both space efficiency and appearance quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control programs for external units are installed in the body unit memory, then external unit control function is achieved, but memory capacity requirements increase and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control program storage function from the camera body and relocates it to the external connection device itself. The external device now carries its own control programs and operates autonomously, while the camera body only needs to provide basic communication interfaces. This significantly reduces the memory capacity requirements of the camera body while maintaining full external unit control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The external connection device is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating its own control programs and processing capabilities. The external device serves itself by executing its own control logic independently, without requiring the camera body to store or manage its control software. This self-service approach reduces the burden on the camera body's memory and processing resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control programs are stored in the body unit, then multiple device functions are supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control software into separate modules, with each external connection device containing its own dedicated control program. The camera body maintains a simple, unified control structure that communicates with multiple independent external devices through standardized interfaces. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the camera body's control system while still supporting multiple device functions through modular external attachments.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes: a body unit; at least one type of interchangeable lens unit; and at least one type of external unit, wherein in the case where the body unit and one of the at least one type of interchangeable lens unit are connected integrally, the imaging system becomes an imaging device capable of shooting a photographic subject, and in the case where the body unit and one of the at least one type of external unit are connected integrally, the imaging system becomes a device having a specific function of the external unit connected to the body unit, and wherein when the interchangeable lens unit or the external unit is connected to the body unit, the body unit obtains information on the type of unit connected to the body unit, and is capable of changing control of an entire device including the body unit and the unit connected to the body unit based on the type of unit connected to the body unit.