Movable Optical Filter Layout for Compact Image Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses with movable optical filters require additional space for movement, leading to increased size, and replacing external filters necessitates detaching the lens, making filter switching cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus with a movable optical filter that can be switched between an inserted and retracted position using a driving unit, allowing the filter to be rotated or translated without increasing the device's size, and enabling easy replacement through a grip portion without lens detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical filters are made movable to enable switching between use and nonuse states, then filter functionality is improved, but the apparatus size increases due to required movement spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is rotatably coupled to the main body and nests within the apparatus housing when in the nonuse state. The optical filter holding structure is integrated into the rotatable holding member, allowing it to be stored compactly within the apparatus volume when not in use, similar to a nested doll configuration where one component fits within another.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is designed to be rotatable between a use state (where the optical filter is in the imaging path) and a nonuse state (where the optical filter is retracted). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same space to serve different functions, enabling filter switching without requiring additional permanent space for filter storage and movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external optical filters are made replaceable, then filter versatility is improved, but the replacement process becomes complex requiring lens detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member serves multiple functions: it holds the optical filter, provides a grip portion for user interaction, and acts as a rotatable mechanism for switching between use and nonuse states. This multi-functionality integrates the replacement and switching operations into a single unified mechanism, eliminating the need for separate lens detachment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip portion on the holding member is designed to be directly engageable by the user, allowing self-service filter replacement without requiring external tools or complex disassembly procedures. The user can simply grip the holding member to rotate it and switch between filters or states independently.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor, an optical filter, a holding member configured to hold the optical filter, a driving unit configured to move the holding member, a grip portion to be gripped by a user, and a control board. The optical filter is movable by the driving unit between a first position inserted into an imaging range and a second position retracted from the imaging range in a direction from the first position toward the grip portion. The second position is located between the grip portion and the control board.