Imaging Unit Display Data Transmission Protocol Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatus systems require frequent firmware updates when changes occur in the combination of functions and states between connected units, especially with high-definition imaging, diversification of purposes, and increased complexity, making current protocols inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An imaging unit with a processing unit that generates display data for its state and settings, and a transmission unit to send this data to other connected units, allowing for dynamic display updates without necessitating firmware updates in both units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the protocol for function-state combinations is changed to accommodate new functions or states, then the imaging system can support diversified imaging purposes and higher definition, but firmware update is required in both the lens apparatus and operation apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the protocol into two independent parts: (1) the communication protocol between lens apparatus and operation apparatus, and (2) the display protocol between operation apparatus and display apparatus. This segmentation allows each protocol to be updated independently, so that changing display specifications only requires updating the display apparatus firmware, not the lens apparatus firmware.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation apparatus serves as an intermediary that translates between the communication protocol from the lens apparatus and the display protocol for the display apparatus. This intermediary role allows the display apparatus to have its own independent display protocol, decoupling it from the lens apparatus protocol and enabling independent firmware updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is updated in both lens apparatus and operation apparatus to support new function combinations, then the system can adapt to new imaging requirements, but the update process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the protocol into communication and display components, the patent enables independent updates of each component. This means that when new imaging functions are added, only the relevant firmware needs to be updated, rather than requiring coordinated updates across multiple devices, thereby reducing total update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The display apparatus is pre-configured with its own display protocol and capability information, which it can independently manage and update. This preliminary configuration allows the display apparatus to adapt to new function combinations without waiting for coordinated firmware updates from other devices in the system.
3Loss of information
If the protocol contains all possible function-state combinations, then complete information can be displayed, but the protocol becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protocol into modular segments: the communication protocol handles data exchange between lens and operation apparatus, while the display protocol handles information presentation to the display apparatus. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining complete information transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The display protocol is designed to be universal and adaptable, capable of displaying various types of information from different function-state combinations without requiring separate protocols for each case. This universal design reduces protocol complexity by handling diverse information types through a single flexible framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit including a processing unit configured to generate display data about at least one of a state and setting of the unit, and a transmission unit configured to transmit information, wherein the unit is communicably connected to another unit including a display unit, and wherein the processing unit causes the transmission unit to transmit the display data to the other unit based on a notification that the display unit is in a displayable state, from the other unit.