Three-Channel Communication System for Camera-Lens Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lens-interchangeable camera systems, existing technologies face challenges in synchronizing data transmission between the camera body and interchangeable lenses, particularly during high-data-rate communications, which affects the accuracy of follow shot assist processes due to difficulties in managing detection time points for motion vectors and angular velocities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a three-channel communication system between the camera body and interchangeable lenses, including a notification channel, a first data communication channel, and a second data communication channel, allows for accurate synchronization of data transmission and reception of accessory information, enabling precise calculation and control of angular velocities and motion vectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large data amount communication is performed in a short time to increase frame rate, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in acquiring predetermined time period and communication interference
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into three separate channels: a notification channel for timing signals, a first data communication channel for accessory information, and a second data communication channel for camera body information. This segmentation allows simultaneous communication without interference, enabling high frame rates while maintaining reliable data transmission for follow shot assist processes.
2Measurement precision
If signal level is kept at predetermined level for predetermined time period to synchronize with vertical synchronization signal, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases making it difficult to acquire predetermined time period
Solution Approach 1:
The notification channel continuously transmits timing information in advance of the actual data communication needs. This preliminary transmission of synchronization signals allows the system to maintain accurate timing references without requiring extended waiting periods, enabling quick acquisition of synchronization points for motion vector and angular velocity correlation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If focus drive command communication is performed, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inhibition of well-timed control of signal level
Solution Approach 1:
By separating notification channel functions from data communication channel functions, the system allows focus drive commands and other data communications to occur on data channels without interfering with the timing signal transmission on the notification channel. This enables versatile communication while maintaining precise signal level control for synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
The accessory apparatus provides, with an image-capturing apparatus, a notification channel used for providing a notice from the image-capturing apparatus to the accessory apparatus, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory apparatus to the image-capturing apparatus, and a second data communication channel used for data transmission from the image-capturing apparatus to the accessory apparatus. An accessory controller acquires from a timer, in response to receiving a transmission request as the notice, a first time of receiving the transmission request and acquires, in response to receiving a specific command through the second data communication channel from the image-capturing apparatus, accessory information corresponding to the first time or a second time acquired based on the first time. The accessory controller transmits the accessory information to the image-capturing apparatus through the first data communication channel.