Camera Controller Communication Channel Segmentation for High-Speed Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interchangeable lens camera systems face inefficiencies in communication due to the need for low bit rates in one-to-many communication protocols, leading to slow data exchange when large amounts of data are transmitted between the camera body and accessory apparatuses, especially at higher frame rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera system with a camera communicator and accessory communicator that utilize both signal and data communication channels, allowing for broadcast and point-to-point communication modes, enabling the camera controller to change clock rates and prohibit communication with certain accessory apparatuses to optimize data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one-to-many communication protocol is used between camera body and accessory apparatuses, then communication compatibility across multiple devices is improved, but communication speed and data transfer efficiency deteriorate due to low bit rate requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication into two distinct channels: a signal communication channel for control signals and a data communication channel for high-speed data transfer. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized independently - the signal channel maintains compatibility for one-to-many communication while the data channel achieves high-speed point-to-point transfer, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera body acts as an intermediary that manages communication between multiple accessory apparatuses. It selectively establishes point-to-point data communication channels with specific accessories when high-speed transfer is needed, while maintaining the one-to-many signal communication protocol for overall system coordination. This intermediary role enables the system to switch between communication modes based on requirements.
2Speed
If clock rate is increased for high-speed data communication, then data transfer speed is improved, but communication stability and synchronization with other accessory apparatuses deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating signal communication and data communication into different channels, the patent allows the data channel to use high clock rates for fast transfer without affecting the stability of the signal channel. Other accessory apparatuses continue to operate on stable, lower clock rates through the signal channel, while one accessory can engage in high-speed data transfer independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters by switching between signal communication mode (for stability and multi-device coordination) and point-to-point data communication mode (for high-speed transfer). The camera body controls this dynamic switching, enabling the system to adapt clock rates and communication protocols based on real-time requirements without compromising overall stability.
3Quantity of substance
If large amount of data is transmitted within imaging cycle, then imaging quality and detail are improved, but communication time and frame rate performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera body serves as an intermediary that establishes dedicated point-to-point data communication channels between itself and specific accessory apparatuses. This enables parallel or sequential high-speed data transfer sessions without the overhead of one-to-many protocol handshaking, significantly reducing communication time for large data volumes while maintaining imaging cycle requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes communication parameters by switching from standard one-to-many protocol to point-to-point data communication mode when large data transfers are required. This parameter change includes using higher clock rates and optimized data protocols only for the necessary duration and specific accessory pairs, minimizing impact on overall frame rate while maximizing data transfer efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a camera communicator connected to a signal communication channel and a data communication channel, and a camera controller configured to perform a signal communication with the plurality of accessory apparatuses using the signal communication channel, and a first communication that is a data communication with the plurality of accessory apparatuses and a second communication that is a data communication with a first accessory apparatus among the plurality of accessory apparatuses, using the data communication channel. The camera controller notifies a second accessory apparatus other than the first accessory apparatus of a communication prohibition by the second communication, and then notifies a change of a clock rate of at least one of the first communication and the second communication via the second communication to change the clock rate.