Coupling Device Resistance Detection for Accessory Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information devices face challenges in accurately determining the type of accessories and coupling devices without increasing cost or size, as existing methods either require microcomputers or multiple terminals, leading to potential erroneous determinations and limited expandability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a first and second resistive element and a switching element that switches between connection states to a resistance detection terminal, allowing the information device to measure resistance values and determine the types of both the accessory and the coupling device without additional microcomputers or terminals, thereby enhancing expandability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microcomputer is embedded in the coupling device to determine the type of the coupling device, then the type determination accuracy is improved, but the cost and size of the coupling device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the microcomputer-based electronic identification system with a passive resistive element system. Instead of using active electronic components (microcomputers) to identify the coupling device type, the invention uses passive resistive elements with different resistance values that can be measured by the information device, thereby eliminating the need for microcomputers in the coupling device while maintaining type determination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive resistive elements as the identification medium in the coupling device. These passive resistive components are much cheaper and simpler than microcomputers, allowing the coupling device to maintain type identification functionality while significantly reducing cost and complexity.
2Device complexity
If no microcomputer is embedded in the coupling device to reduce cost and size, then the cost and size are reduced, but the type of the coupling device cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resistive elements as an intermediary identification medium between the coupling device and the information device. These resistive elements serve as a passive mediator that carries identification information (through their resistance values) without requiring active processing components like microcomputers, enabling type determination while keeping the coupling device simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the active microcomputer-based identification system with a passive resistive element system. The resistive elements provide identification functionality through their electrical resistance properties, eliminating the need for complex electronic processing while maintaining the ability to determine coupling device type.
3Measurement precision
If terminals for type determination are provided individually for the coupling device and accessory on the digital camera side, then the type determination accuracy is improved, but the number of terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the type determination terminals for both the coupling device and the accessory into a shared terminal structure. By using common terminals that can measure combined resistance values, the system reduces the total number of terminals required while still enabling accurate identification of both components through intelligent resistance measurement and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the terminals multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as power/communication terminals and as type determination terminals. The same terminals used for general communication also function as resistance measurement terminals, allowing the system to determine types without adding dedicated identification terminals.
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 accurate identification of accessories and coupling devices while reducing costs and size, allowing for increased types and expandability of functions without the need for expensive or large circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
a first resistive element (22), and a switching element (21) that, in a coupled state in which the information device (10) is coupled to the accessory (30), switches an electrical connection state of the first resistive element (22) and a second resistive element (31) included in the accessory (30) to a resistance detection terminal (D2) of the information device (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device 20 includes a first resistive element 22, and a single-pole single-throw switch 21 that is controlled by a digital camera 10 to, in a coupled state in which the digital camera 10 is coupled to an accessory 30, switch an electrical connection state of the first resistive element 22 and a second resistive element 31 included in the accessory 30 to a resistance detection terminal D2 of the digital camera 10 between a first connection state in which the second resistive element 31 is connected to the resistance detection terminal D2 and a second connection state in which the first resistive element 22 and the second resistive element 31 are connected to the resistance detection terminal D2.