Camera Accessory Communication Using Split Notification and Data Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems face inefficiencies in communication with multiple accessory apparatuses, particularly when switching between broadcast and peer-to-peer communication methods, leading to longer communication times and the need to restrict or reduce communication frequency to ensure timely communication with specific accessory apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a camera and accessory apparatus system that utilizes a notification channel for notification and a data communication channel for simultaneous and individual communication with multiple accessory apparatuses, enabling efficient data communication through broadcast and P2P communication methods, with predetermined order switching between specific accessory apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If P2P communication is performed with a specific accessory apparatus, then communication speed is improved, but communication time increases due to switching between broadcast and P2P communication methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcommunication time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The notification channel is activated in advance to notify accessory apparatuses before data communication begins. This preliminary notification allows the system to prepare for P2P communication without requiring full switching sequences, thereby reducing overall communication time while maintaining high data transfer speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication process is segmented into two distinct channels: a notification channel for control signals and a data communication channel for actual data transfer. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of different communication functions, eliminating the need for complete mode switching and reducing communication delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If communication with multiple accessory apparatuses is maintained simultaneously, then communication efficiency is improved, but communication reliability decreases due to frequent switching between apparatuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic communication cycles where the camera sequentially communicates with different accessory apparatuses in a predetermined order. Each accessory is communicated with for a complete data exchange cycle before moving to the next, eliminating mid-communication switching and improving reliability while maintaining overall system efficiency through systematic rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication method switching is performed between broadcast and P2P, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is divided into two independent but coordinated channels: a notification channel for control and mode switching, and a data communication channel for actual data transfer. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by separating notification functions from data transfer functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12425728B2Image pickup apparatus, accessory apparatus, and communication control method
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 CANON KK
  • US12425728B2 patent drawing
  • US12425728B2 patent drawing
  • US12425728B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera is operable while a plurality of accessory apparatuses are connected to the camera. The camera is configured to control communication with the plurality of accessory apparatuses using a notification channel for notification with the plurality of accessory apparatuses and a data communication channel for data communication with the plurality of accessory apparatuses. The camera is configured to perform first communication for simultaneous communication with the plurality of accessory apparatuses using the data communication channel, and second communication for individual communication with a specific accessory apparatus among the plurality of accessory apparatuses using the data communication channel. The camera is configured to perform the second communication by switching between specific accessory apparatuses in a predetermined order.