Camera-Lens Communication Channel Direction Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems with interchangeable lenses require multiple communication channels for efficient data transfer, leading to increased power consumption and difficulty in miniaturization, and face challenges in quickly switching data transmission directions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with three communication channels - a notification channel, a first data communication channel for data transmission from the accessory apparatus to the image-capturing apparatus, and a second data communication channel for data transmission in the opposite direction, with the ability to switch the second channel's direction quickly and efficiently, allowing for high-speed large volume data transfer using asynchronous serial communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple communication channels are used for data transmission between camera body and interchangeable lens, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of communication channels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines bidirectional data transmission functionality into a single communication channel by dynamically switching its direction. The camera body and interchangeable lens coordinate to alternate the channel's direction, allowing the same physical channel to carry data in both directions over time, thereby reducing the total number of channels needed while maintaining reliable communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication channel's data transmission direction is made dynamic rather than static. The system allows the channel to switch between transmitting data from camera body to lens and from lens to camera body based on real-time communication needs, enabling adaptive resource allocation and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If communication direction switching is implemented to reduce channels, then device complexity is reduced, but data collision risk increases during switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of communication channelsVSAvoiddata collision avoidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera body and interchangeable lens continuously monitor communication channel status and coordinate direction switching. Before switching the channel direction, the receiving party sends a direction switch request, and the transmitting party confirms readiness, ensuring both parties are synchronized and preventing data collisions during transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary coordination before actual direction switching occurs. The camera body or interchangeable lens initiates a direction switch request in advance, allowing the other party to prepare for the upcoming direction change, ensuring no data is transmitted during the switching transition period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If more communication channels are used for high-speed data transfer, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication functions into a single channel that dynamically switches direction. Instead of maintaining separate dedicated channels for different data transmission directions, the system uses one channel for all data communication by alternating its direction, reducing the number of active communication paths and thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining high-speed transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication channel operates in periodic cycles, alternating between transmitting data from camera body to lens and from lens to camera body. This periodic switching allows the system to maintain high data transmission speeds when needed while keeping the channel inactive or in low-power mode during transitions, optimizing the balance between speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10057471B2Accessory apparatus, image-capturing apparatus, control apparatus, lens apparatus, control method and storage medium storing computer program

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 CANON KK

AI summary

The accessory provides a notification channel used for providing a notice from an image-capturing apparatus to the accessory, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory to the image-capturing apparatus, and a second data communication channel used for data transmission from the image-capturing apparatus to the accessory. The image-capturing apparatus switches the second data communication channel from a second setting to a first setting after the accessory completes switching of the second data communication channel from the second setting to the first setting. An accessory controller switches a signal level on the first communication channel from the first level to the second level to notify the image-capturing apparatus of the completion of the switching of the second data communication channel from the second setting to the first setting.