Modular Optical Recording System Mechanical Preload Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current camera systems face challenges in miniaturization and stabilization, particularly in outdoor environments, due to limitations in mechanical correction systems that fail to compensate for complete rotations and large tilts, leading to image blurriness and poor quality.

Innovation Solution

A compact system structure for image recording, stabilization, and correction with an optical observation device that includes a displaceable image-recording unit mounted without play under mechanical preload, allowing continuous adjustment of the back focus and enabling precise axial positioning and rotation of the image-recording unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If digital correction systems are used to stabilize camera shake, then image processing can be performed internally, but the output resolution is limited due to severe cropping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing efficiencyVSAvoidoutput resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the correction function into two independent parts: a mechanical correction unit that physically stabilizes the camera before image capture, and a digital processing unit that handles post-processing. This segmentation allows the mechanical system to preserve the full sensor area for high-resolution output while the digital system handles stabilization processing without cropping constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If mechanical correction systems are used to compensate for camera shake, then the entire image sensor surface can be utilized, but the system cannot be sufficiently miniaturized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sensor utilizationVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical correction system is integrated within the camera housing structure, with the image-recording unit nested within a compact mechanical assembly. The correction mechanism uses a space-efficient design where moving components are arranged in a nested configuration, allowing the mechanical stabilization system to be miniaturized while still utilizing the full image sensor surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Steady-Cam systems are used to compensate for large tilts and rotations, then complete rotations can be stabilized, but the systems are very large and inadequately protected against external influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation compensation capabilityVSAvoidsystem size and protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical correction system is enclosed in a compact, protected housing that shields internal components from external influences such as vibrations and shocks. The design uses a space-efficient configuration where the image-recording unit can perform complete rotations and large tilts while being adequately protected, reducing the overall system size compared to traditional Steady-Cam systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution ensures optimal image sharpness and smooth correction movements, even under external vibrations and shocks, by utilizing a spring-induced mechanical preload for precise axial positioning and rotation, allowing for real-time stabilization of tilted positions and complete rotations.

Implementation Method 1

mounted without play under the effect of a mechanical preload induced by a spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Preload: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The image-capturing unit is displaceable along an optical axis and mounted without play under the effect of a mechanical preload induced by a spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3574642B1Modular optical recording system
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 DREAM CHIP TECH
  • EP3574642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3574642B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3574642B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular optical recording system. According to the invention, a compact, flexibly configurable and expandable system structure for image recording, image stabilization and image correction is provided with an optical observation device that is to be arranged in the region of a preferably cylindrical housing concept. The recording system is designed in such a manner that a precise, play-free and frictionless mechanical correction of at least complete rotations about the optical axis and/or a precise and play-free adjustment of the flange focal distance is made possible.