Photographic Lens Control Circuit for Real-Time Parameter Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for recording and retrieving operating parameters of photographic lenses are cumbersome and lack compatibility, especially in digital photography, where visual and readable data independent of image data is difficult to obtain due to varying communication protocols among different brands.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a control circuit with sensors for the focusing, zoom, and aperture rings, along with accelerometers and gyro sensors, to digitally acquire and record operating parameters, including optical and motion parameters, and transmit them in real-time to a camera or external device for storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional paper-based or tape marking methods are used to record operating parameters, then the recording process is simple, but the method is excessively cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter recording efficiencyVSAvoidparameter recording convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual paper-based recording methods with an automated electronic system. Sensors detect the positions of focusing, zoom, and aperture rings, convert them to electrical signals, and store them digitally in memory, eliminating the need for manual writing or taping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically records operating parameters without user intervention. The control circuit continuously monitors sensor outputs and stores parameter data in memory autonomously, allowing the lens to self-record its operating state throughout the photography process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If digital recording methods are used to acquire operating parameters, then recording precision is improved, but compatibility across different lens brands deteriorates due to varying communication protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter acquisition precisionVSAvoidcross-brand compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a universal interface layer between the lens sensors and the camera body. This interface uses standardized communication protocols that can translate between different lens brands' proprietary protocols and the camera's required format, enabling broad compatibility while maintaining precise parameter acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit is designed to support multiple communication protocols and data formats simultaneously. It can adaptively switch between different protocol types, allowing the same lens to work with various camera brands and models while maintaining accurate parameter recording capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If comprehensive sensors are added to capture all operating parameters, then data completeness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter data completenessVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into an integrated control circuit system. Rather than using separate independent sensors for each parameter, the system uses a unified control architecture that coordinates focusing ring, zoom ring, and aperture ring detection through a single processing unit, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the parameter acquisition function into modular sensor components, each responsible for a specific ring or parameter. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each sensor while maintaining overall system manageability through the centralized control circuit that processes all inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of information

If real-time parameter transmission is implemented, then data availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time data availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous real-time transmission, the system uses periodic updates at key moments such as when parameters change or at predetermined intervals. This approach maintains data availability when needed while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous monitoring of parameters in memory with minimal energy consumption, and only activates full transmission when data is actually needed by the camera or external device. This keeps useful data continuously accessible while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4167027A1Method and system for acquiring operating parameters of photographic lens
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 SHENZHEN DONGZHENG OPTICAL TECH CO LTD
  • EP4167027A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4167027A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4167027A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for acquiring operating parameters of a photographic lens, including: performing, in a photographic lens, data encapsulation, by a control circuit, on an operating parameter of the photographic lens, writing the encapsulated parameter into a storage unit, and transmitting the encapsulated parameter to a camera or an external data reading device in real time. The present invention further provides a system for acquiring operating parameters of a photographic lens, including: a control circuit and a storage unit that are configured in the photographic lens, wherein the control circuit includes a processing unit and a focusing ring position sensor, a zoom ring position sensor, an aperture ring position sensor, an accelerometer, a gyro sensor, a communication interface, a power connector that are connected to the processing unit; the control circuit acquires an operating parameter of the photographic lens by using the focusing ring position sensor, the zoom ring position sensor, the aperture ring position sensor, the accelerometer and the gyro sensor; and the control circuit is further connected to a camera or an external data reading device by using the communication interface, to output the operating parameter after the data encapsulation in real time.