Digital Camera Data Transmission Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing apparatuses lack the ability to dynamically adjust communication functions based on the type or mode of attached recording media, leading to inefficiencies in image data transmission, particularly during imaging processes.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus with an interface unit for attaching recording media having communication functions, and a controller that specifies and manages transmission modes, enabling automatic or manual data transmission based on the recording medium's capabilities, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the recording medium operates in automatic transmission mode to enable spontaneous data transmission, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but noise interference occurs during imaging processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission mode adjustable and switchable based on operational context. The controller dynamically switches between automatic transmission mode (for high efficiency) and manual transmission mode (for noise-free imaging), allowing the system to adapt its behavior to current operational requirements rather than being fixed in one mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission mode parameter based on the imaging state. When imaging is detected, the system switches from automatic transmission mode to manual transmission mode, effectively changing the operational parameter to eliminate noise interference while maintaining the ability to achieve efficient transmission when imaging is not occurring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the communication function is continuously active to ensure seamless data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but imaging quality deteriorates due to noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between communication states based on imaging requirements. The communication function is activated during non-imaging periods for reliable data transmission and deactivated during imaging periods to prevent noise interference, creating a periodic on/off pattern that balances reliability with image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the communication function's operational state based on the imaging status. The controller monitors whether imaging is occurring and accordingly switches the communication function between active and inactive states, making the system adaptable rather than continuously fixed in one state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the transmission mode is fixed to manual mode to prevent noise during imaging, then imaging quality is maintained, but data transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the transmission medium universal by supporting multiple transmission modes (automatic and manual) within the same system. The recording medium can function in either automatic transmission mode for high efficiency or manual transmission mode for noise-free operation, making it adaptable to different operational requirements without requiring separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed mode to a dynamic switchable mode. The controller enables switching between automatic and manual transmission modes based on whether imaging is occurring, allowing the system to optimize for efficiency when appropriate and for image quality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10440250B2Data processing apparatus having an interface to which a recording medium having a communication function of transmitting stored data is attachable, data processing method for such data processing apparatus, and storage medium for storing instructions for such data processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 CANON KK

AI summary

In a case where a recording medium having a communication function is used for a digital still camera, noise may be generated and superposed on data to be recorded if data transmission is performed in imaging. On the other hand, in a case where data is transmitted in response to a user's request from an external apparatus, communication interruption degrades usability. The digital still camera obtains a product name of the recording medium from the recording medium so as to specify a transmission mode. If an automatic transmission mode for spontaneously performing data transmission is specified, data transmission is interrupted when imaging instruction is issued and furthermore the communication function of the recording medium may be disabled. On the other hand, if a manual transmission mode for performing data transmission in response to a request is specified, a communication state is maintained even if an imaging instruction is issued.