Image Pickup Device Tilt Mechanism with Rotating Optical Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image pickup devices with both tilt mechanisms for the image pickup element and optical filter insertion/extraction mechanisms face limitations in securing sufficient tilt amounts during rotational movement, as the optical filter mechanism can prevent adequate rotational adjustment.

Innovation Solution

The image pickup device incorporates a base member with rotary shafts that supports both the optical filter unit and image pickup element unit, allowing them to rotate together while using stepping motors and photo-interrupters to adjust the position of the optical filter, ensuring the tilt amount is secured and preventing light beam obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If both tilt mechanism and optical filter insertion/extraction mechanism are included, then image pickup element can be tilted to increase depth of field, but optical filter mechanism prevents sufficient rotational movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth of fieldVSAvoidrotational movement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter unit is segmented from the main camera body, mounted on a rotating base member that is separate from the tilt adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows the optical filter to rotate independently with the image pickup element without interfering with the tilt mechanism's rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical filter insertion and extraction mechanism operates in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, while the tilt mechanism operates in a rotational dimension. By positioning these mechanisms in different dimensional spaces, they can coexist without interfering with each other's movement ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If optical filter is disposed near image pickup element, then it can effectively cut infrared light, but it obstructs light beam during rotational movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrared light cuttingVSAvoidlight beam obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter unit is made dynamically adjustable through rotational movement on the base member. By rotating the optical filter unit to different positions, the system can dynamically switch between having the optical filter in the light path (for infrared cutting) and having it rotated away (to prevent light beam obstruction during tilt adjustment).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Before performing tilt adjustment, the system preliminarily rotates the optical filter unit to a position where it will not obstruct the light beam path during the upcoming rotational movement. This preliminary positioning prevents light beam obstruction while maintaining the capability to cut infrared light when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures sufficient tilt of the image pickup element and prevents light beam obstruction, enabling effective image capture in both day and night modes by allowing precise rotational movement of the optical filter and image pickup element.

Implementation Method 1

an optical filter that cuts light in an infrared region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

photo-interrupters to adjust the position of the optical filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3627815B1Image pickup device
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 CANON KK
  • EP3627815B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3627815B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3627815B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image pickup device of the present invention includes an image pickup element, an image pickup element holder that supports the image pickup element and is rotationally movable with respect to a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of an image pickup lens, an optical filter, and an optical filter holder that extractably supports the optical filter onto the optical axis of the image pickup lens. The optical filter holder rotationally moves along with a rotational movement of the image pickup element holder in an identical direction.