Light Control Apparatus Segmented Optical Element Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light controlling apparatuses face instability due to mutual interference and contact between optical elements, which affects the stable operation of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A method of driving light controlling apparatuses that involves alternating the displacement of incident-light controlling units between aperture and retracted positions using distinct driving forces, ensuring exclusive displacement and minimizing interference between units, along with a control unit that generates and applies these forces based on detection of the units' states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used to extend functions, then the versatility and imaging quality are improved, but the mutual interference and contact between elements cause operational instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical elements into separate, independently controllable units (first optical element, second optical element, etc.) that can be driven separately. This segmentation allows each element to be controlled without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between having multiple functional elements and maintaining operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where optical elements can be selectively inserted into or removed from the optical path based on operational requirements. The driving units can independently position each optical element, enabling flexible configuration while preventing mutual interference through coordinated dynamic positioning.
2Volume of moving object
If optical elements are positioned close to each other to reduce apparatus size, then the compactness is improved, but the contact and interference between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions optical elements at different locations in the optical path rather than stacking them in a single dimension. By utilizing spatial distribution across multiple dimensions and controlling their insertion/removal timing, the system achieves compactness while preventing contact and interference between closely positioned elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple plug-in type structure is used, then the ease of manufacture and compactness are improved, but the coordination control of multiple elements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal control architecture where multiple driving units respond to a single control signal to coordinate their actions. Each driving unit can independently control its associated optical element, yet all units operate in coordination through the shared control signal, simplifying the control system while managing multiple elements effectively.
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 stabilizes the operation of the light controlling apparatus by preventing mutual interference between optical elements, allowing for precise control of light passage and maintaining the apparatus's stability during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of driving unit which exert on the incident-light controlling unit, an aperture-displacing driving force which displaces the incident-light controlling unit to an aperture position, and a retracting-displacement driving force which displaces the incident-light controlling unit to a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A method of driving light controlling apparatus which includes a substrate, which has an aperture, a plurality of incident-light controlling unit which are displaced on the substrate, a plurality of driving unit which exert on the incident-light controlling unit, an aperture-displacing driving force which displaces the incident-light controlling unit to an aperture position, and a retracting-displacement driving force which displaces the incident-light controlling unit to a retracted position which is different from the aperture position, and in which, the incident-light controlling unit is displaced by the driving unit to the aperture position and the retracted position alternately, and incident light passing through the aperture is adjusted, and the displacement of each incident-light controlling unit to the aperture position is exclusive for the other incident-light controlling unit, includes a step of displacing the incident-light controlling unit, which includes a step of displacing a first incident-light controlling unit disposed at the aperture position, to the retracted position, and a step of displacing a second incident-light controlling unit disposed at the retracted position, to the aperture position, after completion of the step of displacing the first incident-light controlling unit to the retracted position.