Camera Controller Communication Paths for Accessory Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in achieving high-speed communication between a camera body and interchangeable lenses or accessories due to limitations in the I2C communication method, particularly when multiple intermediate accessories are connected, leading to unsuitable processing and difficulties in high-speed data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera system with a camera controller that receives information on data size and sets up communication settings to optimize data transmission with accessories, utilizing distinct communication paths for one-to-one and one-to-many communications to ensure efficient data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If I2C communication method is used for one-to-many communication between camera body and multiple accessories, then communication compatibility is improved, but communication speed deteriorates due to sequential one-to-one communication switching
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct communication paths: a first communication path for one-to-one communication between the camera body and each accessory, and a second communication path for one-to-many communication between the camera body and multiple accessories simultaneously. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, with the second path enabling parallel data transmission to multiple accessories without the switching overhead of sequential communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the communication architecture by adding a second communication path that operates in parallel with the first communication path. This dimensional addition transforms the communication from a sequential one-dimensional process to a parallel multi-dimensional process, enabling simultaneous one-to-many communication while maintaining one-to-one communication capabilities through the first path.
2Reliability
If I2C clock synchronous open drain communication is used, then communication reliability is improved through acknowledgment mechanism, but communication speed deteriorates due to sequential acknowledgment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct communication paths: a first communication path for one-to-one communication between the camera body and each accessory, and a second communication path for one-to-many communication between the camera body and multiple accessories simultaneously. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, with the second path enabling parallel data transmission to multiple accessories without the switching overhead of sequential communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The second communication path enables continuous parallel data transmission to multiple accessories simultaneously, eliminating the interruptions and delays inherent in sequential one-to-one communication with acknowledgment mechanisms. This continuity of useful action significantly improves communication speed while maintaining reliability through the structured communication protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus to which an accessory apparatus is attachable includes a camera controller configured to communicate with the accessory apparatus. The camera controller receives first information on a data size receivable by the accessory apparatus, performs a setting for a data size to be transmitted to the accessory apparatus based on the first information, and communicate with the accessory apparatus based on the setting.