Interchangeable Lens Voltage Switching for Camera Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in accommodating multiple types of interchangeable lenses with different operation voltages, leading to issues such as increased size due to multiple power sources, incorrect voltage determination causing performance deterioration, and potential electrical overload.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a voltage converter and a microcomputer system to detect and switch between communication and operation voltages, ensuring compatible power supply and communication methods for different lens types, while maintaining compact size and preventing electrical overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are provided to supply different source voltages to multiple types of interchangeable lenses, then compatibility with different lens types is improved, but the size of the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single power source is designed to universally supply power to multiple types of interchangeable lenses with different voltage requirements. The camera body includes a voltage conversion circuit that can convert the single source voltage into multiple different voltages, making one power source serve multiple functions and eliminating the need for separate power sources for each lens type.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion circuit changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on the detected lens type. When a lens is attached, the camera detects its required voltage and the conversion circuit adjusts the output voltage accordingly, allowing a single power source to adapt to different voltage requirements without physical changes to the power source itself.
2Device complexity
If the camera determines lens type based on whether the lens can operate with a lower source voltage, then the determination method is simplified, but incorrect determination may cause performance deterioration or failure of the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The camera includes a detection circuit that receives feedback from the interchangeable lens about its voltage requirements. The lens outputs detection information indicating its required voltage level, and the camera uses this feedback to accurately determine the lens type and select the appropriate voltage, preventing incorrect voltage application and ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical trial-and-error method of voltage determination (testing whether a lens works with a lower voltage) is replaced with an electrical detection system. The lens actively communicates its voltage requirements through detection information, allowing the camera to determine the correct voltage without trial-and-error testing, thereby eliminating the risk of performance deterioration or failure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a circuit capable of changing source voltage is provided to accommodate different lens voltage requirements, then compatibility with multiple lens types is improved, but the size of the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion circuit is merged with the camera's existing power supply system rather than being a separate add-on component. The conversion circuit integrates the voltage changing functionality into the camera body's power management architecture, sharing components and space with other camera systems, thereby minimizing the increase in camera size while maintaining compatibility with multiple lens types.
4Measurement precision
If the camera supplies source voltage based on detected lens type, then accurate voltage matching is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens outputs detection information about its voltage requirements immediately upon attachment to the camera, before the camera begins operating. This preliminary provision of information allows the camera to determine the correct voltage in advance and configure the power supply system accordingly, ensuring accurate voltage matching from the start of operation without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A first lens unit performing communication with an image pickup apparatus (10) with a first voltage (V1) and a second lens unit performing communication with the image pickup apparatus with a second voltage (V2) are selectively attached to the image pickup apparatus. The image pickup apparatus includes a controller (18) configured to operate with a third voltage (V3) different from at least one of the first and second voltages to output a signal for the communication with the first and second lens units, and a determiner (90, 20) configured to determine the type of the lens unit attached to the image pickup apparatus. The controller is configured to produce, as a voltage of the signal for the communication, from the third voltage, one of the first and second voltages corresponding to a determination result of the determiner.