Voice Coil and Stepper Actuators for Faster Dual-Lens Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens apparatuses with two focus lenses driven by actuators face challenges in achieving optimal focusing times and reducing size and cost due to unequal maximum speeds, accelerations, and strokes of the focus lenses, leading to increased power consumption and potential interference with image sensors.
Innovation Solution
The lens apparatus employs a first actuator with a voice coil motor and a second actuator with a stepping motor, ensuring that the maximum speed, acceleration, and stroke inequalities are satisfied, thereby optimizing focusing time and reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two focus lenses are driven by two actuators with equal performance, then the structure is simple and cost is reduced, but the focusing time increases and power consumption increases due to unequal maximum speeds and accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the two actuators with different performance characteristics. The first actuator is designed with higher maximum speed and acceleration than the second actuator, matching the different optical requirements of the two focus lenses. This asymmetric configuration allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific lens, reducing overall focusing time while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the performance parameters of the actuators to resolve the contradiction. Specifically, the first actuator is configured with higher speed and acceleration parameters than the second actuator. This parameter differentiation allows the system to achieve faster focusing by having one actuator handle the more demanding lens, while the other actuator handles the less demanding lens, thereby reducing overall focusing time without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent employs periodic action through differentiated drive patterns for the two actuators. The control unit provides drive signals with different characteristics to each actuator based on their performance capabilities and the focusing requirements of their respective lenses. This allows optimized periodic driving cycles that minimize total focusing time while managing power consumption effectively.
2Speed
If high-performance actuators are used for both focus lenses, then focusing speed is improved, but power consumption increases and interference with image sensors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different performance levels to different actuators based on local requirements. The first actuator, which drives the first focus lens, is configured with higher speed and acceleration capabilities because that lens requires faster response. The second actuator, driving the second focus lens, uses lower performance specifications since that lens has less stringent requirements. This localized optimization achieves high focusing speed where needed while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through intelligent control that matches actuator performance to actual focusing requirements. The control unit monitors the focusing needs of each lens and activates only the necessary actuator with appropriate performance level, avoiding the waste of using high-performance actuators for all focusing operations regardless of actual need. This self-regulating approach reduces power consumption while maintaining high focusing speed when required.
3Speed
If high-performance actuators are used for both focus lenses, then focusing speed is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different performance levels to different actuators based on local requirements. The first actuator, which drives the first focus lens, is configured with higher speed and acceleration capabilities because that lens requires faster response. The second actuator, driving the second focus lens, uses lower performance specifications since that lens has less stringent requirements. This localized optimization achieves high focusing speed where needed while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective actuator selection by using a lower-performance, more economical actuator for the second focus lens where high speed is not critical. This allows the system to allocate budget toward the first actuator that requires high performance, while using a more affordable solution for the second actuator, thereby reducing overall device cost while maintaining necessary focusing speed for critical operations.
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
This configuration reduces focusing time, decreases the size and cost of the lens apparatus, and minimizes power consumption while mitigating interference with image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator with a voice coil motor
Implementation Method 2
a second actuator with a stepping motor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first focus lens, a second focus lens, a first actuator configured to drive the first focus lens, and a second actuator configured to drive the second focus lens. Predetermined inequalities are satisfied.