Camera Lens Communication via Exposure Timing Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems require a dedicated contact for synchronizing communication of exposure timing with the lens microcomputer, leading to increased complexity and potential inaccuracies in focus evaluation during wobbling operations.
Innovation Solution
The camera generates a vertical synchronizing signal synchronized with the image sensor's exposure timing and uses this signal to control communication with the lens, eliminating the need for a dedicated contact by changing the signal level at specific terminals to indicate exposure timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated signal line is used to communicate exposure timing signals between camera and lens, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to increased number of contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing communication terminals to serve dual purposes: transmitting both data information and exposure timing synchronization signals. The camera control unit utilizes the established communication interface between camera and lens to convey exposure timing signals, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated signal lines while maintaining communication reliability through multi-functional use of existing contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of exposing timing signal transmission with existing data communication functions. By combining these two separate communication needs into a single communication channel using the same terminals, the patent reduces the total number of contacts required while ensuring that exposure timing information is reliably transmitted to the lens microcomputer
2Manufacturing precision
If communication data amount increases to support higher performance camera and lens, then imaging performance is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing communication operations with the exposure timing of the image sensor. The camera control unit transmits exposure timing signals at regular intervals corresponding to each frame exposure, enabling the lens microcomputer to periodically update focus lens driving and diaphragm control. This periodic synchronization ensures that communication occurs at optimal moments, maintaining efficiency even as data requirements increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the lens microcomputer continuously monitors communication received from the camera and adjusts focus lens driving and diaphragm control accordingly. The system uses feedback loops to ensure that exposure timing information is reliably received and acted upon, allowing the system to maintain high imaging performance while optimizing communication throughput by only transmitting necessary synchronization signals
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus to which an accessory is detachably attached includes an imaging unit configured to convert an object image into an electrical signal, a signal generation unit configured to generate a vertical synchronizing signal that is synchronized with a timing of exposure of the imaging unit and output the generated vertical synchronizing signal, a control unit configured to control communication with the accessory based on the vertical synchronizing signal, a first terminal configured to send a clock signal generated by the control unit to the accessory, and a second terminal configured to communicate data with the accessory based on the clock signal, in which the control unit controls a signal level at the first terminal to a predetermined level when the communication of the data ends, and then changes the signal level in synchronization with the output of the vertical synchronizing signal.