Lens Position Determination Using Accelerometer Gravitational Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autofocus systems in cameras consume high power and have limited accuracy in determining lens position, which affects distance measurement and parallax correction in multi-camera setups.
Innovation Solution
A system using accelerometer sensors on a stationary and rotating lens component, connected to a processor, calculates lens position based on angles defined by Earth's gravitational field, enabling accurate distance measurement and parallax correction between cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrical motor is used to move the lens and control signals are used to infer lens position, then the lens position can be determined, but the system consumes high power and has limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical motor system with a passive mechanical sensing system using accelerometers. Instead of using an electrical motor to move the lens and infer position from control signals, the invention uses accelerometer sensors that passively detect gravitational field changes to determine lens position, thereby eliminating the need for continuous electrical power consumption while improving measurement accuracy through direct gravitational sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer sensors utilize Earth's gravitational field as a natural reference, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the ever-present gravitational field to provide continuous, accurate position information without consuming additional energy
2Measurement precision
If conventional autofocus systems are used to determine lens position, then basic functionality is achieved, but accuracy in distance measurement and parallax correction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where accelerometer data from both the stationary housing and the rotating lens component are continuously monitored and processed. The processor uses this feedback to calculate relative positions and angles, enabling accurate distance measurement and parallax correction by constantly comparing the gravitational field readings from both sensor locations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to lens position determination by incorporating the third spatial dimension through gravitational field sensing. Instead of relying solely on two-dimensional motor control signals, the system uses three-dimensional accelerometer data to capture the lens position in space, improving both distance measurement accuracy and parallax correction reliability
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 approach provides a power-efficient and accurate method for determining lens position, allowing for effective parallax correction between cameras, especially in systems like short wavelength infrared and long wavelength infrared camera setups.
Implementation Method 1
a first angle defined by the first accelerometer sensor and Earth's gravitational field and a second angle defined by the second accelerometer sensor and Earth's gravitational field
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining lens position includes a first sensor component disposed on a stationary housing of a camera. A second sensor component is disposed on a rotating lens component of the camera. A processor is operatively connected to the first and second sensory components to identify the position of the rotating lens component of the camera based on a difference between a first angle defined by the first sensor component and Earth's gravitational field and a second angle defined by the second sensor component and Earth's gravitational field.