Lens Barrel Focus Actuator Reduces Start-Up Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens barrels with cam mechanisms for focusing and zooming result in larger or heavier focus lens units, leading to increased start-up time when power is applied, as the focus lens unit needs to accurately align with the optical system, which can be time-consuming, especially when switching from non-powered to powered states.
Innovation Solution
A lens barrel design incorporating a focus actuator that moves integrally with the first lens unit, a starting point detector to determine the focus lens unit's position, and a drive controller to ensure the focus lens unit is within a tracking range, allowing for quicker alignment and reducing start-up time by detecting the starting point position and moving it to the correct position efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the focus lens unit is driven by a cam mechanism, then the structure is simplified, but the focus lens unit becomes larger or heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cam mechanism with an actuator (motor-driven system) to drive the focus lens unit. This substitution allows the focus lens unit to be smaller and lighter while still achieving the required focusing and zooming functions through precise electronic control of the actuator.
2Speed
If the focus lens unit is made smaller for faster drive speed, then drive speed is improved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a starting point detector that detects the initial position of the focus lens unit before driving begins. This preliminary detection allows the drive controller to calculate the optimal driving path and reduce unnecessary movements, thereby reducing start-up time without requiring a more complex actuator system.
3Volume of moving object
If the focus lens unit is driven by an actuator, then the focus lens unit can be smaller, but start-up time increases when no power is supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a starting point detector that provides feedback on the position of the focus lens unit. The drive controller uses this feedback information to determine the exact position before power is applied and calculates the most efficient driving path, thereby reducing start-up time even when the lens unit needs to move from a non-powered position.
Solution Approach 2:
The starting point detector performs preliminary detection of the focus lens unit's position before the actuator begins driving. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the optimal driving sequence in advance, reducing the time required to reach the target position when power is supplied.
4Measurement precision
If the focus lens unit moves to the correct position after power is applied, then imaging accuracy is improved, but time is lost during the movement
Solution Approach 1:
The starting point detector detects the position of the focus lens unit before the actuator begins driving. This preliminary detection enables the drive controller to calculate the precise driving distance and direction needed to reach the correct imaging position, minimizing the time required for alignment while ensuring accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an actuator with electronic control instead of a purely mechanical positioning system. This allows for precise control of the focus lens unit's movement, enabling it to reach the correct imaging position quickly and accurately by eliminating unnecessary mechanical movements and intermediate steps.
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 design significantly reduces start-up time by enabling the focus lens unit to rapidly move to the correct position within its tracking range, allowing for immediate imaging capabilities when power is applied, regardless of the previous power state.
Implementation Method 1
a focus actuator which is supported by the zoom mechanism to move integrally with the first lens unit, and utilizes electric power to drive the focus lens unit in the optical axis direction with respect to the first lens unit
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable lens unit includes a second lens group unit, a focus lens unit, a fourth lens group unit, a zoom ring unit, a focus motor, and a photosensor. The zoom ring unit is arranged to mechanically transmit operational force inputted to a zoom ring to the second lens group unit and the fourth lens group unit. The focus motor is configured to electrically drive the focus lens unit in the Z axis direction with respect to the second lens group unit. The photosensor is configured to detect whether or not the focus lens unit is disposed at a starting point position with respect to the second lens group unit. The starting point position is disposed within the total movement range E of the focus lens unit.