Liquid Lens Autofocus Eliminates Mechanical Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image measurement and non-contact displacement-detecting devices require complex mechanical movement mechanisms for autofocus, leading to increased structure complexity, larger size, and longer operation times, which detract from efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a variable focal length lens system, such as a liquid lens unit, that allows for multi-focus imaging, enabling the selection of an in-focus image without a traditional autofocus mechanism, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional autofocus mechanism with mechanical movement is used, then focusing control can be achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical autofocus movement mechanism with an optical field-based focusing method. The controller performs focus detection and image processing to achieve focusing control without mechanical lens movement, thereby eliminating the complex mechanical structure while maintaining reliable focusing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical movement mechanism from the autofocus system. By separating the focusing function from mechanical movement and implementing it through optical field analysis and image processing, the device achieves focusing control without the cumbersome mechanical components.
2Reliability
If a traditional autofocus mechanism with mechanical movement is used, then focusing control can be achieved, but operation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical lens movement with rapid optical field analysis and image processing. This electronic/optical approach eliminates the time required for mechanical movement, significantly improving operation speed while maintaining reliable focusing control through controller-based detection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs focus detection and image processing in advance to determine the optimal focus state before final image capture. This preliminary analysis allows the system to quickly lock onto the correct focus without time-consuming mechanical adjustments, thereby improving operation speed.
3Reliability
If a traditional autofocus mechanism with mechanical movement is used, then focusing control can be achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical movement mechanism from the device, eliminating the space required for lenses to move physically. This reduction in mechanical components directly decreases the overall device volume while preserving focusing control through optical field-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the space-consuming mechanical autofocus system with a compact optical field analysis approach. By using controller-based focus detection and image processing instead of moving parts, the device achieves focusing control in a more compact form factor.
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 results in a more compact, efficient image pick-up device and non-contact displacement-detecting device capable of quickly bringing images into focus, improving operation speed and reducing the need for mechanical movement mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical vibrator formed of a piezoelectric material in a transparent liquid. In the liquid lens system, when AC voltage is applied to an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface of the vibrator, the vibrator expands or shrinks in its thickness direction to vibrate a liquid inside the vibrator.
Implementation Method 2
When a frequency of the applied voltage is adjusted depending on a natural frequency of the liquid, a concentric standing wave is formed in the liquid, whereby concentric regions having different refractive indexes are formed around a central axis of the vibrator.
Implementation Method 3
When light passes along the central axis of the vibrator, this light diffuses or focuses according to the refractive indexes of the respective concentric regions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image measurement apparatus, which functions as a non-contact profile-measuring device, includes: an image sensor as an image pick-up device; a variable focal length lens (liquid lens unit) disposed on an optical axis extending from a workpiece to the image sensor; and a controller (image-pickup lens controller and image measurement processor) configured to control the variable focal length lens and process a detected image by the image sensor. The image measurement apparatus, which also functions as a non-contact displacement-detecting device, includes: an image sensor; a variable focal length lens (liquid lens unit) disposed on an optical axis extending from the workpiece to the image sensor; and a controller (displacement-detection lens controller and profile measurement processor) configured to control the variable focal length lens and a detected image by the image sensor.