Camera Shutter Control via USB Port Resistance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lower-end digital cameras lack the advanced features and capabilities found in higher-end models, such as precise control over shutter release and aperture, which are typically expensive to implement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a digital image sensor, a communication port, and a detection circuit that detects changes in electrical resistance at the connector, allowing a processor to initiate operations like shutter release or aperture control, using a switchable resistance mechanism to mimic higher-end camera functions without additional hardware or wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced features like shutter release and aperture control are added to lower-end digital cameras, then functionality and capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing communication port connector is made multi-functional by detecting different resistance values to identify different control operations. The same physical connector handles both data communication and shutter/aperture control by interpreting resistance states, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in electrical resistance parameter at the connector to encode different control commands. By detecting specific resistance values (e.g., first resistance value for shutter release, second resistance value for aperture control), the camera distinguishes between different operations without requiring different physical connectors or wireless protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated control connectors or wireless communication modules are added to lower-end cameras, then advanced control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication port serves dual purposes: standard data communication and advanced shutter/aperture control. The detection circuit monitors resistance at the existing connector pins, allowing the same hardware interface to control multiple functions without adding dedicated control connectors or wireless modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing communication port infrastructure is made to serve additional control functions through software-based resistance detection. The camera's existing processor and detection circuitry are utilized to interpret resistance states, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control hardware and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resistance detection circuitry is integrated into the communication port, then shutter release and aperture control are enabled, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance detection functionality is merged with the existing communication port circuitry. The detection circuit is integrated into the same connector interface that handles data communication, combining multiple functions (data transfer, shutter control, aperture control) into a single unified interface rather than separating them into distinct circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication port connector is designed to handle multiple functions through a single interface. By detecting resistance values at the connector pins, the system identifies different control operations (shutter release, aperture control) without requiring separate dedicated control circuits, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining versatile control capability.
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
Enables the addition of advanced features like shutter release and aperture control to lower-end digital cameras at a lower cost, enhancing their functionality without the need for extra connectors or wireless communication, effectively bridging the gap between budget and high-end devices.
Implementation Method 1
The detection circuit is configured to detect a change in electrical resistance at a connector of the communication port
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a digital image sensor, a communication port, a detection circuit and a processor. The detection circuit is configured to detect a change in electrical resistance at a connector of the communication port. The processor is configured to initiate an operation of the apparatus according to the detected change in resistance.