Camera Accessory Disconnection Detection Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current camera systems with replacement lenses face delays and increased complexity in detecting disconnection from the camera main body, leading to longer termination processes and potential faults due to higher power consumption and faster voltage decline.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a detection terminal, detection section, and control section that quickly detects voltage changes to determine connection status and control the actuator, using a configuration that includes a field effect transistor and operational amplifier to rapidly identify disconnection and initiate termination processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage detection is performed using a capacitor to maintain power after disconnection, then the termination process can be completed safely, but the detection speed is delayed due to gradual voltage decline

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe terminationVSAvoiddetection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive capacitor-based voltage detection system with an active operational amplifier-based detection circuit. The operational amplifier actively monitors the detection terminal voltage and generates immediate disconnection detection signals, eliminating the delay inherent in passive capacitor voltage decline detection while maintaining reliable termination process completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex accessories with multiple functions are added to the camera system, then the versatility and functionality are improved, but the power consumption increases and voltage declines faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detection terminal as an intermediary element that provides a stable voltage reference point for disconnection detection, independent of the power consumption variations caused by complex accessories. The detection terminal is electrically connected to the camera main body and remains at a stable potential, allowing the operational amplifier to detect disconnection events accurately regardless of the accessory's power consumption characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the detection circuit uses a simple voltage threshold method, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection circuitVSAvoiddisconnection detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple voltage threshold comparison with an operational amplifier-based detection circuit that provides precise voltage monitoring and signal amplification. The operational amplifier circuit actively compares the detection terminal voltage against a reference level and generates clean, unambiguous disconnection detection signals, significantly improving detection precision while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity through the use of standard operational amplifier configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid detection of disconnection from the camera main body, ensuring safe and timely termination of accessories, even with complex systems, by utilizing a detection circuit that monitors voltage changes and controls the actuator accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

a detection section that detects the voltage of the detection terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the field effect transistor 215 connected to the detection terminal 212

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

an operational amplifier 216 and a microcomputer 217. The output voltage of the operational amplifier 216, i.e., the input voltage to the microcomputer 217, changes with change in the gate voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOperational amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS8600225B2Electronic device, connection detection method and connection detection system

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an electronic device connected to a camera main body and having an actuator, the electronic device including: a detection terminal adapted to come into contact with a terminal used by the camera main body to detect the connection to the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the camera main body; a detection section adapted to detect the voltage of the detection terminal; a connection detection section adapted to detect the connection status to the camera main body based on the change in the voltage detected by the detection section; and a control section adapted to control the operation of the actuator based on the connection or disconnection to or from the camera main body detected by the connection detection section.