Lighting Device Terminal Type Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic flash devices cannot fully utilize the improved electrical performance of new-type external power source devices due to the lack of a means to discriminate between old-type and new-type power sources, leading to insufficient functionality when different types of power sources are connected, and adding a detection signal line increases the number of terminals, compromising physical compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a connector that includes a second terminal for discriminating the type of external power source using a switching unit, storage unit, and discrimination unit, which compares the input voltage with a predetermined threshold to determine the type of power source without increasing the number of terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a detection signal line is added to discriminate external power source types, then the lighting device can fully utilize improved electrical performance of new-type power sources, but the number of terminals increases, compromising physical compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The second terminal is configured to serve multiple functions: it acts as a power input terminal when connected to old-type external power source devices and as a detection signal terminal when connected to new-type external power source devices. The switching unit dynamically changes the input-output attribute of this terminal based on the connected power source type, enabling one terminal to replace what would traditionally require separate terminals for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit dynamically changes the input-output attribute of the second terminal based on the type of connected external power source device. When an old-type device is detected, the terminal is switched to input mode for power reception; when a new-type device is detected, it is switched to output mode for sending detection signals. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its terminal functionality in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If the number of terminals is increased for type discrimination, then external power source type can be identified, but physical compatibility of the connector is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The second terminal serves dual purposes: power input for old-type devices and type detection for new-type devices. This multi-functionality ensures that the connector maintains its original three-terminal physical structure, preserving compatibility with both old-type and new-type external power source devices while still enabling accurate type identification through the switching mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no type discrimination means is provided, then the connector maintains physical compatibility with all power sources, but the lighting device cannot exert the function of connected external power source devices sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the lighting device sends detection signals through the second terminal to the connected external power source device, receives the response signal, and based on this feedback, determines the power source type. This feedback loop enables the lighting device to identify whether it is connected to an old-type or new-type device and adjust its operation accordingly, fully utilizing the capabilities of the connected device.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit acts as an intermediary that manages the communication between the lighting device and different types of external power source devices. It controls the input-output attribute of the second terminal to facilitate proper signal exchange, enabling the lighting device to interact effectively with both old-type devices (power input only) and new-type devices (bidirectional communication).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the lighting device to accurately discriminate between different types of external power source devices without adding terminals, ensuring compatibility and allowing both old-type and new-type power sources to connect, thereby optimizing the functionality of the electronic flash device.
Implementation Method 1
an obtaining unit configured to obtain the information for discriminating the type of the external power source device by comparing a voltage value of a signal input to the second terminal from the external power source device with a predetermined voltage threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device that is capable of discriminating a type of an external power source device connected from among types of connectable devices without increasing the number of terminals of a connector. A connector is electrically connectable to an external power source device and includes a first terminal for supplying electric power from the external power source device to a main capacitor and a second terminal for discriminating a type of the external power source device. An obtaining unit obtains the information for discriminating the type of the external power source device by comparing a voltage value of a signal input to the second terminal from the external power source device with a predetermined voltage threshold when an attribute of the second terminal is set to an input. A discrimination unit discriminates the type of the external power source device by contrasting the information obtained with information stored.