Diaphragm Device Control Mode Adaptation via Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video camera systems face compatibility issues due to different control modes, such as DC iris control, video iris control, and P-iris control, which prevent the use of lens units with diaphragm devices in the P-iris control mode with camera bodies compatible with other modes, as the control configurations and signals are incompatible.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm device for video camera lenses that includes a pulse signal-driven actuator, a connector with multiple terminals for communication, an identification unit to determine the control mode based on signal voltage, and a control unit with a switching mechanism to generate and output a pulse signal suitable for driving the actuator, allowing diaphragm control even when the camera body and lens unit are in incompatible control modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lens unit with a diaphragm device in the P-iris control mode is connected to a camera body compatible with other control modes (DC iris control or video iris control), then the connector compatibility is achieved, but the control signal compatibility is lost and the diaphragm cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identification unit as an intermediary component that detects the control mode of the connected camera body and a switching unit that mediates between the incompatible control signals. The switching unit converts analog control signals from DC or video iris control modes into pulse signals compatible with P-iris control mode, enabling reliable diaphragm control while maintaining connector compatibility across different control modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the control signal from analog voltage (in DC or video iris control modes) to pulse width modulated signals (in P-iris control mode). The switching unit dynamically adjusts the signal parameters by converting the received analog control signal into appropriate pulse signals, allowing the diaphragm device to operate reliably across different control modes
2Manufacturing precision
If different control modes (DC iris control, video iris control, P-iris control) are used in camera bodies and lens units, then each mode can be optimized for its specific application, but compatibility between camera bodies and lens units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the diaphragm device universal by enabling it to operate with multiple control modes. The identification unit detects which control mode the camera body is using, and the switching unit appropriately converts or passes through the control signal, allowing a single P-iris control lens unit to be compatible with camera bodies using DC iris control, video iris control, or P-iris control modes
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit acts as a mediator that translates between different control signal types. It receives control signals from camera bodies using any control mode and converts them into the appropriate pulse signals for the P-iris control diaphragm device, thereby maintaining system compatibility while preserving the optimized control precision of each mode
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm device includes a diaphragm mechanism, a connector, an identification unit for identifying a control mode of a signal communicated via the multiple terminals on the basis of voltage of the signal, and a control unit, wherein the switching unit switches the communication path so that a pulse signal capable of driving the pulse signal driven actuator is generated for generating the pulse signal on the basis of the signal, and output to the pulse signal driven actuator if the control mode of the signal is identified as one based on a control mode incapable of directly driving the pulse signal driven actuator; and the switching unit switches the communication path so that the signal is output to the pulse signal driven actuator if the control mode of the signal is identified as a first control mode based on a pulse signal directly driving the pulse signal driven actuator.