Concentric Optical System Focus Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging apparatuses with concentric optical systems face challenges in size and weight reduction, leading to increased complexity and limited speed due to large and heavy focus adjustment mechanisms, which also result in potential vibration during operation.

Innovation Solution

An imaging apparatus with a central optical system set for pan focus and an annular optical system having a focus adjustment mechanism, where the central optical system and image sensor are moved integrally along the optical axis to adjust the focal point of the annular system, reducing the need for individual focus adjustments and minimizing the structure's weight and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each optical system comprises an individual focus adjustment mechanism, then focus adjustment capability is improved for each system, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focus adjustment mechanisms for both optical systems into a single shared mechanism. The moving unit simultaneously moves both the first optical system and the second optical system along the optical axis, eliminating the need for separate focus adjustment mechanisms for each optical system. This reduces device complexity while maintaining focus adjustment capability for both systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single moving unit serves multiple functions by adjusting the focal points of both optical systems. This universal component performs what would traditionally require two separate mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device configuration while preserving the ability to independently adjust focus for each optical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a large and heavy optical system is used for focus adjustment, then focus adjustment capability is improved, but weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoptical system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the focus adjustment functions for both optical systems into a single moving unit, the patent reduces the total weight compared to having separate heavy mechanisms for each system. The shared mechanism distributes the load and eliminates redundant components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large and heavy focus adjustment mechanism is used, then focus adjustment range is improved, but vibration occurs during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment rangeVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both optical systems onto a single moving unit, which reduces the overall mass being accelerated during focus adjustment. This reduced mass results in less vibration during operation while still providing the necessary focus adjustment range for both optical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If individual focus adjustment mechanisms are provided for each optical system, then focus adjustment precision is improved, but device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment precisionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focus adjustment functionality into a single mechanism that simultaneously controls both optical systems. This approach maintains focus adjustment precision for each system while significantly reducing the overall device size by eliminating redundant mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Device complexity

If the telephoto optical system comprises the focus adjustment mechanism, then configuration is simplified, but speed and precision are limited due to large mass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidfocus adjustment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

By merging both optical systems onto a single moving unit, the patent creates a balanced configuration where neither system dominates the mass characteristics. This enables faster focus adjustment compared to using only the heavier telephoto system's mechanism, while maintaining configuration simplicity through the shared adjustment approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11226470B2Imaging apparatus and mobile imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

Provided are an imaging apparatus and a mobile imaging apparatus capable of reducing the size and weight of a structure relating to focus adjustment. The imaging apparatus 1 includes: a central optical system 12 that captures an image with pan focus; an annular optical system 14 that is disposed concentrically with the central optical system 12; and an image sensor 20 that simultaneously captures an image to be formed through the central optical system and an image to be formed through the annular optical system 14. In the imaging apparatus 1, the central optical system 12 and the image sensor 20 are moved integrally along the optical axis L so as to adjust a focal point of the annular optical system 14.