Dual-Path Optical Focusing Apparatus for Rapid Defocus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic focusing methods, particularly optical type focusing apparatuses, face challenges of high cost, larger volume, complexity in assembly, and longer processing times, which hinder cost reduction and production efficiency in the electronic industry.
Innovation Solution
An automatic focusing apparatus utilizing two imaging optical paths with different imaging precisions, where a light source, optical imaging unit, photo-sensor, and focusing regulation unit work together to adjust the defocus position of an object by selecting appropriate imaging precision paths, reducing focusing time through sequential adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical type automatic focusing apparatus is used, then imaging precision is improved, but device cost, volume, and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into multiple imaging optical paths with different imaging precisions. The system divides the focusing detection function across multiple paths, allowing the use of simpler optical components in each path while achieving overall high precision through coordinated operation of all paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing apparatus uses a single integrated device that performs multiple functions: coarse focusing detection, fine focusing detection, and automatic focusing control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate optical systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high imaging precision.
2Measurement precision
If optical type automatic focusing apparatus is used, then imaging precision is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested optical path configuration where multiple imaging optical paths are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner. The optical components are nested within each other or arranged in overlapping configurations, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining multiple imaging paths for high precision focusing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple focusing adjustments are performed, then imaging precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coarse focusing detection using the first imaging optical path with lower imaging precision but faster response. This preliminary action brings the focusing position close to the optimal point, after which fine focusing detection is performed. This staged approach reduces total processing time compared to performing only fine focusing from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous focusing detection by simultaneously utilizing multiple imaging optical paths. While one path performs fine detection, another path continues to provide feedback, ensuring uninterrupted focusing adjustment. This continuous action eliminates idle time between focusing stages and maintains constant progress toward optimal focus.
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 approach significantly reduces focusing time, increases imaging precision, and enhances focusing speed by allowing the defocus position to be adjusted within the imaging precision of multiple optical paths, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The object lens focuses the beam, so that the beam is projected on an object. The beam is reflected via the object to form a reflecting beam.
Implementation Method 2
The beam splitter divides the reflecting beam into a first sub-beam and a second sub-beam.
Implementation Method 3
The photo-sensor senses an image formed by the first sub-beam or the second sub-beam to detect a defocus position of the object.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic focusing apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a light source, an optical imaging unit, a photo-sensor and a focusing regulation unit. The optical imaging unit includes an object lens and a beam splitter. The beam splitter divides a reflecting beam into a first sub-beam and a second sub-beam. The optical imaging unit has a first imaging optical path and a second imaging optical path with different imaging precisions corresponding to the first sub-beam and the second sub-beam, respectively. The photo-sensor detects a defocus position of the object. The focusing regulation unit adjusts the distance between the object and the object lens and selects an imaging precision, so that the defocus position of the object is placed within the imaging precision of the first optical path and the imaging precision of the second optical path in sequence.