Mirror Shutter Drive Control Mechanism for Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
SLR digital cameras face issues with unnecessary mechanical operations during live view mode, leading to reduced usability, increased size, weight, and production costs due to separate drive sources for mirror and shutter mechanisms, and inaccuracies in the live view image compared to the final captured image.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a reversible motor-driven mechanism that allows the mirror to remain retracted during live view mode, using a shared motor for mirror and shutter operations, and a planetary gear mechanism to selectively transmit power to either mechanism based on the operational mode, eliminating unnecessary mirror movements and optimizing compactness and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive source is used for mirror and shutter operations, then device complexity is reduced and miniaturization is achieved, but unnecessary mirror operations occur during live view mode reducing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that changes the drive path based on operational mode. A mode detection unit identifies whether the camera is in optical view mode or live view mode, and a switching mechanism accordingly connects the single drive source to either the mirror drive mechanism or the shutter drive mechanism, preventing unnecessary mirror operations during live view mode while maintaining compactness from using a single drive source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching mechanism as an intermediary component between the single drive source and the two separate drive mechanisms (mirror and shutter). This switching mechanism acts as a mediator that selectively transmits drive force to the appropriate mechanism based on the detected mode, resolving the contradiction between using a single drive source for compactness and preventing unnecessary operations for usability
2Ease of operation
If separate drive sources are used for mirror and shutter mechanisms, then live view mode control is simplified, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive sources by using a single motor to drive both the mirror mechanism and the shutter mechanism through a switching mechanism. This combining approach reduces the overall weight compared to using separate drive sources, while the switching mechanism ensures that control simplicity is maintained by selectively engaging the appropriate drive path based on the operational mode
3Reliability
If unnecessary mirror operations are performed during live view mode, then image sensor is protected, but image quality on monitor deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the drive system configuration based on the operational mode. During live view mode, the switching mechanism prevents drive force transmission to the mirror mechanism, eliminating unnecessary mirror operations that would cause image quality fluctuations on the monitor and reduce photographing speed, while the system maintains readiness to protect the image sensor when needed
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
Enables seamless live view operation without mirror action, achieving miniaturization and weight reduction while ensuring accurate image representation on the monitor, thus enhancing usability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible motor; a first operating mechanism which moves the mirror and carries out a shutter charge operation of the shutter when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby
Implementation Method 2
a planetary gear mechanism serving as a driving force transmission switcher for selectively transmitting a driving force of the reversible motor in a first rotational direction and a driving force of the reversible motor in a second rotational direction to the first operating mechanism and the second operating mechanism, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus is provided, including a mirror movable between a viewing position and a retracted position; a shutter which prevents the light that is passed through the imaging optical system from being incident on the image sensor and allows the light that is passed through the imaging optical system to be incident on the image sensor when open and shut, respectively; a reversible motor; a first operating mechanism which moves the mirror and carries out a shutter charge operation when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; a second operating mechanism which carries out the shutter charge operation without moving the mirror when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; and a driving force transmission switcher for transmitting driving forces of the reversible motor in first and second rotational directions thereof to the first and second operating mechanisms, respectively.