Camera Power Supply Simplification via Multi-Voltage Lens Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens-interchangeable camera systems face complexity in power supply configurations due to varying actuator voltages and require separate power contacts for actuators and microcomputers, leading to increased complexity and noise issues during power generation.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a multi-contact configuration that supplies different voltages to interchangeable lenses using a power supply unit, eliminating the need for separate power contacts and noise-reducing system power generation through a resistor-based voltage drop, allowing efficient power distribution and simplifying the lens configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is provided with a plurality of power supply units to selectively supply different voltages to an interchangeable lens, then the camera can supply appropriate power to various actuators, but the configuration becomes complicated and separate power contacts are required for microcomputer and actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The camera body is designed with a universal power supply unit that can output multiple voltage levels (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, 12V) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional power supply replaces the need for separate power supply units for different voltage requirements, allowing the same power contact to serve both actuator and microcomputer power needs through voltage selection based on lens type.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit dynamically changes its output voltage parameter based on the detected lens type and requirements. The camera control unit identifies the lens and selects appropriate voltage levels from the power supply unit, enabling the same physical power contact to provide different voltages as needed without requiring separate contacts for each voltage level.
2Reliability
If power for actuator and power for microcomputer are supplied by separate systems, then each component receives dedicated power, but additional power contacts are required increasing configuration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power contacts for actuators and microcomputers are merged into a single shared power contact within the contact group. The camera control unit intelligently routes power to the appropriate component (actuator or microcomputer) based on voltage requirements and operational state, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power contacts while maintaining reliable power supply to both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera control unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply unit and the power contact. It manages power distribution by selecting appropriate voltage levels and controlling power flow to either the actuator or microcomputer through the shared power contact, ensuring reliable power delivery without requiring separate physical contacts for each component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the camera and interchangeable lens configurations by enabling efficient power supply to multiple actuators with different voltages, reduces noise, and omits the need for additional power contacts, enhancing power distribution and system stability.
Implementation Method 1
a lens-side system power generation unit that generates system power to be supplied to the lens control unit by using lens-drive power having the lowest voltage among the plurality of pieces of lens-drive power to be input from the plurality of power contacts of the lens-side contact group
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a camera system, an interchangeable lens, a camera, and a power supply method of a camera system capable of simplifying a configuration. In a camera system (1) comprising a camera (10) and an interchangeable lens (100), a plurality of pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3) having different voltages are supplied from the camera (10) to the interchangeable lens (100). The interchangeable lens (100) drives a plurality of optical member drive units such as a focus drive unit and a stop drive unit using the plurality of supplied pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3). Further, system power for operating a lens microcomputer (114) is generated using the lens-drive power (VL1) having the lowest voltage among the plurality of supplied pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3).