Imaging Apparatus Communication Mode Switching for Autofocus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems for digital single lens reflex cameras require multiple communication units to switch between clock synchronization and UART communication formats, increasing costs and lacking periodic information transmission conforming to exposure timing during video shooting.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with a control unit that switches between first and second communication modes based on shooting mode, with the first mode using clock synchronization for video shooting and the second mode allowing asynchronous communication for still image shooting, enabling efficient data exchange and focus control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication units are used to switch between clock synchronization and UART communication formats, then communication adaptability for different shooting modes is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication format adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication unit quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single communication unit is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between clock synchronization mode and UART mode based on the shooting mode. During still image shooting, it operates in clock synchronization mode for high-speed data transfer, while during video shooting, it operates in UART mode for periodic information transmission, eliminating the need for separate communication units for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication unit dynamically changes its operating mode based on real-time shooting requirements. The control unit switches the communication unit between clock synchronization and UART formats according to whether still image or video shooting is being performed, allowing the system to adapt flexibly without requiring multiple fixed communication units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If clock synchronization communication is used during video shooting, then periodic information transmission conforming to exposure timing is achieved, but communication flexibility for asynchronous data exchange is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperiodic information transmission accuracyVSAvoidcommunication mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit dynamically switches between clock synchronization mode and UART mode based on shooting mode. During video shooting, it operates in clock synchronization mode to ensure periodic information transmission aligns with exposure timing, while during still image shooting, it switches to UART mode for flexible asynchronous data exchange, thus adapting to different communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication unit changes its operational parameters (synchronization mode vs. asynchronous mode) based on the shooting mode. By adjusting the communication format parameter according to whether video or still image shooting is active, the system achieves both reliable periodic transmission during video shooting and flexible asynchronous exchange during still image shooting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If asynchronous UART communication is used during still image shooting, then communication flexibility is improved, but data transmission speed and synchronization accuracy decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit dynamically switches its operating mode based on shooting requirements. During still image shooting, it operates in UART asynchronous mode to provide communication flexibility, while during video shooting, it switches to clock synchronization mode to maximize data transmission speed and synchronization accuracy, thus optimizing performance for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10447914B2Imaging apparatus and control method, lens apparatus and control method, using selective communication methods for improved focus adjustment

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 CANON KK

AI summary

An imaging apparatus, to which a lens apparatus can be attached, includes an imaging unit that executes charge accumulation in synchronization with a reference signal and generates an imaging signal, a control unit that controls the data communication with an attached lens apparatus and executes focus detection by using data received from the lens apparatus. The control unit executes data communication with the lens apparatus in a first communication mode in which predetermined data is periodically communicated in synchronization with the reference signal. When a predetermined operation that instructs preparation for still image shooting is being carried out by a user, the control unit changes the first communication mode to a second communication mode in which the control unit executes data communication with the lens apparatus out of synchronization with the reference signal.