Communication Apparatus Multi-Standard Compatibility Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses struggle to determine the standard compatibility of an external recording device among multiple standards using a single slot, which is essential for area conservation and cost reduction.
Innovation Solution
The communication apparatus employs a method to determine the compatibility of an external recording device with various transfer modes, such as UHS-I, UHS-II, and SDExpress, by using a combination of power source generation units and signal line switching, allowing it to select the appropriate transfer mode for data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single slot is used for multiple external recording device standards, then area and cost are reduced, but the ability to determine standard compatibility becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing standard compatibility determination before actual data transfer operations. The communication apparatus executes determination processing that sends determination commands to the external recording device to identify its standard type (UHS-I, UHS-II, SDExpress, etc.) before establishing the communication mode. This preliminary identification enables the single slot to adaptively support multiple standards without requiring separate physical slots for each standard type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slots are provided for different external recording device standards, then standard compatibility is ensured, but area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single communication apparatus with multi-functional capability to handle multiple external recording device standards. The apparatus includes a determination processing unit that can identify different standards (UHS-I, UHS-II, SDExpress, RCA, etc.) and a control unit that switches communication modes accordingly. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated slots while maintaining full compatibility with various standards through software-controlled adaptation.
3Measurement precision
If standard determination processing is performed, then compatibility is accurately identified, but communication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a determination processing system that sends specific determination commands to external recording devices to identify their standard type. The control unit selectively executes determination processing only when needed (e.g., when a device is first inserted or when standard type is uncertain), rather than continuously. This approach balances the need for accurate standard identification with minimizing communication time overhead, as the determination command set is optimized to quickly identify device characteristics without excessive processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a communication apparatus characterized by including: a connection unit that includes a plurality of signal lines including a first signal line and a second signal line, and connects to an external recording device; first communication means for communicating with the external recording device in a first transfer mode in a case where first initialization processing has been executed; second communication means for communicating with the external recording device in a second transfer mode in a case where second initialization processing has been executed; third communication means for communicating with the external recording device in a third transfer mode in a case where third initialization processing has been executed; and control means, wherein the control means performs control to: determine whether a second signal, which indicates that the external recording device is compatible with the second transfer mode, has been input to the second signal line before a predetermined time period elapses since a first signal was output to the first signal line; execute the second initialization processing in a case where it is determined that the second signal has been input; execute the first initialization processing and determine whether the external recording device is compatible with the third transfer mode based on communication in the first transfer mode in a case where it is determined that the second signal has not been input; and execute the third initialization processing in a case where it is determined that the external recording device is compatible with the third transfer mode.