Lens Unit Position Control to Prevent Overlap Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens apparatuses face challenges in maintaining driving accuracy and image quality when the moving ranges of electrically driven and manually or externally driven lens units overlap, leading to potential collisions and interference, which affect sound, vibration, and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus with a controller that adjusts control methods based on detection results from multiple sensors, dividing the movable range into regions to prevent collisions and optimize driving accuracy and image quality, using a VCM or friction drive motor for focus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the moving ranges of electrically driven and manually driven lens units overlap, then the lens apparatus becomes more compact, but collision and interference between lens units occur affecting driving accuracy and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by detecting the positions of both lens units using detectors, calculating their moving ranges, and determining potential overlap regions before collision occurs. Based on this advance detection, the controller adjusts the driving control of the electrically driven lens unit to avoid entering the overlap region, thereby preventing collision while maintaining the compact overlapping structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously detecting the positions of the first and second lens units, comparing their moving ranges to identify overlap regions, and adjusting the driving control accordingly. The controller modifies the driving commands based on the detected positions and calculated overlap regions, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents collision while maintaining compact design.
2Volume of moving object
If the moving ranges of electrically driven and manually driven lens units overlap, then the lens apparatus becomes more compact, but interference and vibration occur affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates the overlap region between the moving ranges of the two lens units in advance, before interference occurs. By identifying this region beforehand, the controller can adjust the driving control to avoid entering the overlap region, thereby preventing vibration and interference that would affect image quality while maintaining the compact overlapping structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detectors to continuously monitor the positions of both lens units and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller determines when the electrically driven lens unit approaches the overlap region and adjusts the driving control accordingly, preventing vibration and interference before they occur.
3Reliability
If collision detection is performed after collision occurs, then control can be adjusted, but driving accuracy and image quality are already degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of detecting collision after it occurs, the system performs preliminary detection by calculating the overlap region between the moving ranges of the two lens units before collision can occur. The controller adjusts the driving control in advance to avoid entering this overlap region, thereby maintaining driving accuracy and preventing collision before it degrades image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively adjusting the driving control to avoid the overlap region where collision would occur. Rather than reacting to collision after it happens, the controller prevents the harmful action by keeping the electrically driven lens unit outside the overlap region throughout operation.
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 apparatus achieves improved driving accuracy and image quality by minimizing collisions and vibrations, ensuring smooth operation even during high-speed zooming and power transitions.
Implementation Method 1
the movable portion 126 is driven in the optical axis direction by a voice coil motor (hereinafter referred to as VCM) 124
Implementation Method 2
a friction drive motor for driving the focus lens unit in the optical axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes: a first holder holding a first lens unit and being moved in optical axis direction manually or by an external driver; a second holder holding a second lens unit and being electrically moved in optical axis direction; a first and second detectors respectively detecting positions of the first and second holders; a driving unit configured to move the second holder in optical axis direction; and a controller controlling the driving unit, in which movable ranges of the first and second holders overlap each other in optical axis direction; in which a position of the second holder in optical axis direction corresponds to a position of a movable portion of the driving unit; and wherein the controller changes a control of the driving unit based on a detection of the first and second detectors before the second holder interferes with the first holder.