Shutter Control via Camera-Lens Communication Port

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cameras with interchangeable lenses face complexity and complications in shutter control due to increased electrical contacts required for data communication between the camera body and lens barrel, leading to a complex construction and control system.

Innovation Solution

A shutter control device that uses a communication port and shutter control unit in the camera body to transmit and receive signals to operate the shutter housed in the lens barrel, eliminating the need for additional electrical contacts by utilizing existing communication ports for shutter control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional electrical contacts are added for shutter control, then shutter control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter control capabilityVSAvoidelectrical contact structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication port originally designed for data communication is made multi-functional by enabling it to transmit both data signals and shutter control signals. The lens barrel's communication interface handles multiple functions including data exchange and shutter actuation, eliminating the need for dedicated shutter control contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter control function is merged with the existing communication interface. The same communication port and signal lines used for data transmission between camera body and lens barrel are combined to also carry shutter control commands, reducing the total number of electrical contacts required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional electrical contacts are added for shutter control, then shutter control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The communication port originally designed for data communication is made multi-functional by enabling it to transmit both data signals and shutter control signals. The lens barrel's communication interface handles multiple functions including data exchange and shutter actuation, eliminating the need for dedicated shutter control contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter control signal is transmitted through the existing communication protocol infrastructure, effectively using a copy of the data communication pathway for control purposes, rather than building a separate physical control channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the number of electrical contacts is increased, then shutter control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter control reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication port originally designed for data communication is made multi-functional by enabling it to transmit both data signals and shutter control signals. The lens barrel's communication interface handles multiple functions including data exchange and shutter actuation, eliminating the need for dedicated shutter control contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication interface enables bidirectional signal transmission, allowing the lens barrel to send status information back to the camera body while receiving shutter control commands, creating a feedback loop that enhances control reliability without additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8837933B2Shutter control device

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 RICOH IMAGING COMPANY

AI summary

A shutter control device that uses an imaging device provided in a camera body to operate a shutter housed in a lens barrel to perform photography. The shutter control device comprises a communication port and a shutter control unit. The communication port is provided for transmitting and receiving signals between the camera body and the lens barrel. The shutter control unit is provided in the camera body, and outputs a shutter control signal to operate the shutter. The shutter control signal is transmitted to the lens barrel through the communication port.