Camera Lens Communication Controller Switching Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synchronous serial communication between image pickup apparatuses and interchangeable lenses results in limited operating performance due to waiting times for data analysis and processing, leading to communication interruptions and disturbances in operating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of first and second terminals for communication, along with a communication controller that determines the transmission rate, allows for asynchronous communication if available, maintaining compatibility with old-type lenses and improving operating performance by reducing Busy state interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If synchronous serial communication is used with increased clock speed, then data transmission speed is improved, but communication interruptions increase due to Busy state waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller dynamically switches between synchronous communication mode (with clock signal) and asynchronous communication mode (without clock signal) based on the operational state of the interchangeable lens. When the lens is in Busy state, the system transitions to asynchronous mode to avoid communication interruptions, thereby maintaining high data transmission speed while improving overall operating performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If synchronous communication is used to maintain compatibility with old-type lenses, then adaptability is improved, but transmission rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller is designed to support multiple communication modes (both synchronous and asynchronous) within a single system. This multi-functionality allows the image pickup apparatus to maintain compatibility with old-type interchangeable lenses using synchronous communication while being able to switch to asynchronous communication for higher transmission rates when working with new-type lenses that support it.
3Reliability
If communication interruption processing is performed frequently in the lens, then communication reliability is improved, but operating performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller acts as an intermediary that manages communication between the image pickup apparatus and the interchangeable lens. It monitors the Busy state of the lens and intelligently determines when to perform communication interruptions, reducing the frequency of interruptions while maintaining communication reliability. This mediation prevents excessive processing overhead in the lens, thereby improving overall operating performance.
Data Source
AI summary
When communication is made between a camera and an interchangeable lens by a conventional synchronization method, an operation for checking Busy is required between communications, and operating performances of the camera and interchangeable lens may not be occasionally improved. Provided is a camera and interchangeable lens system in which a communication method between a camera and an interchangeable lens can be changed to one of synchronous communication and asynchronous communication. The synchronous communication is made first while the camera serves as a master. The camera measures a time interval of a signal pulse output from the lens at a predetermined time interval in response to a command from the camera to the interchangeable lens for change of the communication to the asynchronous communication. The camera determines a baud rate for the asynchronous communication and then changes the communication method between the camera and the interchangeable lens to the asynchronous communication.