Camera-Lens Three-Channel Communication for High-Speed Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems face challenges in achieving smooth and fast large volume data communication between the camera body and interchangeable lenses due to insufficient processing speed of microcomputers or insufficient buffer capacity, leading to difficulties in high-speed data communication and data loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of three-channel asynchronous serial communication with a transmission request channel, a first data communication channel, and a second data communication channel, along with the option for clock-synchronous serial communication, allows for flexible communication formats and bit rates, enabling efficient data transfer and synchronization between the camera body and interchangeable lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed mode with parallel one-directional communication channels is used, then data communication speed is improved, but processing speed requirements increase making communication impossible when microcomputer processing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between high-speed mode (parallel one-directional channels) and low-speed mode (bidirectional single channel) based on real-time buffer status and processing capacity. The communication control unit monitors buffer occupancy and automatically adjusts communication parameters to maintain reliable operation across varying processing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the communication control unit continuously monitors buffer status, data transmission progress, and processing speed, then adjusts communication parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that high-speed communication is maintained when processing capacity allows, while automatically downgrading to prevent data loss when processing becomes bottlenecked.
2Reliability
If data communication speed is reduced to ensure reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but data communication speed decreases making high-speed communication impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts communication speed and mode based on real-time conditions. When buffer capacity and processing speed permit, the system operates in high-speed parallel mode. When these resources become constrained, the system transitions to lower-speed bidirectional mode, ensuring reliability is maintained without permanently sacrificing potential speed gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes communication parameters (data rate, channel configuration, buffer allocation) based on system state. By monitoring buffer occupancy levels and processing throughput, the system adjusts communication parameters to achieve the highest reliable speed at any given moment, rather than operating at a fixed speed.
3Reliability
If buffer capacity is increased to store large data volume, then data loss is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer management where buffer allocation and communication parameters are adjusted in real-time based on data volume, processing speed, and transmission progress. This eliminates the need for oversized static buffers, as the system adapts buffer usage to actual needs, preventing data loss with minimal buffer capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses just enough buffer capacity to handle current processing limitations rather than provisioning for maximum possible data volumes. By combining moderate buffer capacity with dynamic parameter adjustment and mode switching, the system achieves reliable communication without requiring excessively large buffers.
4Productivity
If amount of data to be transmitted is increased to utilize microcomputer performance, then data communication efficiency is improved, but processing speed requirements increase making communication impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the amount of data transmitted in each communication cycle based on microcomputer processing speed and buffer status. When processing capacity is high, larger data volumes are transmitted to maximize efficiency. When processing slows, transmission volume is reduced to ensure complete processing, maintaining reliability while adapting to actual performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters including data block size, transmission frequency, and buffer allocation based on measured processing performance. This allows the system to optimize data transmission volume to match actual microcomputer capabilities, achieving high efficiency when possible while maintaining feasibility under all processing conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The accessory apparatus (100) includes an accessory controller (111) configured to control communication between the accessory apparatus and the image-capturing apparatus. The accessory controller is configured to, in response to maintaining, after a signal level of a first channel (RTS) connected via a first terminal changes from a first signal level to a second signal level, the signal level of the first channel at the second level, control the communication with the image-capturing apparatus via a second channel (DLC) connected via a second terminal and a third channel (DCL) connected via a third terminal.