Lens Actuator Drive Frequency Control for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The prohibition of continuous scan during contrast AF in image capturing systems to prevent motor noise degrades performance by extending processing time, and existing solutions do not effectively reduce noise in captured images without altering image capturing processing.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus with an actuator that receives and sets drive frequency information from an image capturing apparatus, allowing the actuator to be driven at optimized frequencies to minimize magnetic field-induced noise, while maintaining unchanged image capturing processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous scan is prohibited during contrast AF to prevent motor noise, then noise in captured image is reduced, but processing time for contrast AF is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the drive frequency parameter of the actuator to a specific frequency that does not cause striped noise in the captured image. By adjusting the drive frequency to match or mismatch the pixel reading period appropriately, the magnetic field interference is minimized while allowing continuous scan operation to proceed without prohibition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts the actuator drive frequency based on the image capturing conditions and pixel reading period. The control section monitors the relationship between the actuator drive period and the pixel reading period, and adjusts the drive frequency in real-time to prevent noise while maintaining continuous operation during contrast AF.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If actuator drive frequency is adjusted to reduce motor noise, then noise in captured image is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control section implements a feedback mechanism that receives drive frequency information from the image capturing apparatus and adjusts the actuator drive frequency accordingly. The system continuously monitors the relationship between the actuator drive period and the pixel reading period, and automatically adjusts the drive frequency to prevent striped noise without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication section and control section are designed to handle multiple functions: receiving drive frequency information, determining the relationship between drive period and reading period, adjusting the actuator frequency, and preventing noise. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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
The solution effectively reduces noise in captured images caused by the magnetic field generated by the actuator's drive without degrading image capturing performance or requiring changes to the image capturing processing, thus improving image quality without increasing processing time.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generated when the actuator is driven causes striped noise (hereinafter referred to as motor noise) in a captured image
Data Source
AI summary
The present technique relates to a lens apparatus, a driving method, an image capturing apparatus, and an image capturing system that allow reduction of possible noise in a captured image caused by a magnetic field generated when an actuator of the lens apparatus is driven, without any change in image capturing processing of the image capturing apparatus. A lens apparatus is enabled to be mounted on an image capturing apparatus and includes an actuator, a communication section configured to receive, from the image capturing apparatus, drive frequency information used to set a drive frequency for the actuator, a control section configured to set the drive frequency for the actuator on the basis of the drive frequency information, and a driving section configured to drive the actuator at the drive frequency set. The present technique can be applied to, for example, a lens apparatus mounted on a single-lens reflex camera.