Dual Focus Ring Mechanism for Autofocus and Manual Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens devices face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between automatic focusing and manual focus adjustment, with limitations in rotational speed and complexity in mechanisms, especially when using autofocus functions and focus rings with or without fixed ends.
Innovation Solution
A dual-focus ring system where the first focus ring can switch between a position with no fixed end for unrestricted rotation and a position with a fixed end, allowing for detection of rotation amounts by respective sensors to control the focus lens movement, enabling easy switching between automatic and manual focus adjustment modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a focus ring with no fixed end is used for automatic focusing, then focus correction can be easily carried out, but it becomes difficult to confirm the degree of focused state and the mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The focus ring dynamically changes its characteristics between two states: with fixed end for manual focusing and without fixed end for automatic focusing. This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt its properties based on operational mode, resolving the contradiction between ease of focus correction and mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single focus ring structure serves multiple functions by switching between fixed-end and non-fixed-end modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate focus rings for different focusing modes, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining operational ease in both automatic and manual focusing.
2Ease of operation
If a focus ring with fixed end is used for manual focus adjustment, then adjustment can be carried out easily, but the mechanism becomes complicated when switching to automatic focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The focus ring transitions dynamically between fixed-end configuration for manual focusing and non-fixed-end configuration for automatic focusing. This dynamic reconfiguration allows easy manual adjustment when needed while avoiding mechanism complexity during automatic focusing operations.
3Extent of automation
If motor rotational speed is limited for autofocus function, then motor control is simplified, but focusing speed cannot exceed motor rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The first focus ring acts as an intermediary mechanical component that translates user rotation into focus lens movement independently of motor speed limitations. This allows focusing speed to exceed motor rotational speed while maintaining simplified motor control for autofocus operations.
Data Source
AI summary
It is intended to carry out a focusing operation suitably in each case of automatic focusing and manual focus adjustment. Therefore, in the present invention, there is provided a first focus ring 1 movable between a first position and a second position on an optical axis. Further, a first rotation-angle detection unit detecting a rotation amount of the first focus ring 1 at the first position, a second focus ring 2 coupled to the first focus ring 1 when the first focus ring 1 is at the first position, and a second rotation-angle detection unit detecting a rotation amount of the second focus ring 2 are provided. When the first focus ring 1 is at the first position, a focus lens is driven based on the rotation amount detected by the first rotation-angle detection unit, and when the first focus ring 1 is at the second position, the focus lens is driven based on the rotation amount detected by the second rotation-angle detection unit.