Imaging Apparatus Objective Optical System Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging apparatuses that combine optical and electronic finders face increased manufacturing costs and potential visibility issues due to the need for additional optical systems and the risk of foreign matter attachment during mode switching.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a fixed eyepiece optical system and a removable display device, where the objective optical system's position is controlled to change between modes, minimizing the need for new optical systems and reducing the likelihood of foreign matter attachment by increasing the distance between optical components during electronic finder mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical system is added to guide light from the display unit into the eyepiece window for EVF mode, then the imaging apparatus can switch between OVF and EVF modes, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The objective optical system is designed to serve dual purposes: in OVF mode it forms optical images through the focusing screen, and in EVF mode it simultaneously guides light from the display unit into the eyepiece window. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical systems for each mode, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing screen is made movable between two positions: a first position for OVF mode where it forms optical images, and a second position for EVF mode where it allows light from the display unit to pass through. This dynamic repositioning enables the same optical system to function differently in each mode without requiring additional components.
2Volume of moving object
If the display unit is inserted into a narrow space between the pentaprism and the focusing screen, then the structure is compact, but foreign matter such as dust is likely to be attached to the focusing screen or pentaprism
Solution Approach 1:
The focusing screen is movable between a first position (OVF mode) and a second position (EVF mode). When the display unit is inserted for EVF mode, the focusing screen moves to the second position, creating a larger gap between the display unit and the pentaprism. This dynamic repositioning reduces the likelihood of foreign matter attachment while maintaining compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable focusing screen acts as an intermediary element that can be repositioned to control the spacing between the display unit and the pentaprism. By moving the focusing screen to the second position during EVF mode, it creates a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between foreign matter and the optical components.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging apparatus that is convenient for use with a combination of an optical finder and an electronic finder and is capable of minimizing manufacturing costs while preventing visibility in the finder from being lowered. In the EVF mode, a control unit 32 of a digital camera 10 moves members 18b, 18c, and 18d of an objective optical system 18 toward the subject along an optical axis L, and inserts a display unit 19 to a position of an imaging plane 21 with a distance between the member 18d and the imaging plane 21 secured to be long. In the OVF mode, the control unit 32 fixes the objective optical system 18 at a position determined in advance, and retracts the display unit 19 from a gap between the objective optical system 18 and an eyepiece optical system 20.