Accessory Apparatus Autofocus Alignment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens apparatuses with mechanisms for adjusting the focal points and relative positions of right and left optical systems can malfunction when electrified, leading to autofocus failure and misalignment, preventing appropriate image capturing.

Innovation Solution

An accessory apparatus with a first and second optical system, a drive unit to move the optical elements, and a processor to control the drive unit for simultaneous and relative adjustments of the optical systems, ensuring proper focus alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If mechanisms are electrified for adjusting focal points and relative positions of right and left optical systems, then automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to malfunction risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of focus adjustmentVSAvoidreliability of optical system adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by detecting focus alignment between right and left optical systems, and automatically executes recovery processing when malfunctions are detected, eliminating the need for external intervention and maintaining reliability despite electrification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the focus alignment state through image processing and uses this feedback to determine when recovery processing is needed, enabling automatic correction of malfunctions in the electrified adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If mechanisms are added for adjusting focal points and relative positions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of focus alignmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control and image processing-based focus detection, achieving precise focus alignment through software control rather than mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing unit serves multiple functions: capturing images from both optical systems, detecting focus alignment, determining malfunction states, and controlling recovery processing, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250155780A1Accessory apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 CANON KK

AI summary

An accessory apparatus includes a first optical system including a first optical element, a second optical system including a second optical element, a drive unit configured to move at least one of the first and second optical elements, and a processor configured to drive the drive unit to move both of the first and second optical elements in a first mode and move one of the first and second optical elements in a second mode. Optical axes of the first and second optical systems do not coincide with each other.