Optical Control Apparatus for Tilt Imaging Defocus Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tilt imaging, shifting the shiftable unit for image stabilization often leads to defocus due to the non-parallel orientation of the object surface and imaging surface, which existing methods fail to adequately correct.
Innovation Solution
An optical control apparatus that includes a focus correction unit driven along the optical axis and a shiftable unit shifted orthogonally to the optical axis, controlled by a controller that acquires tilt and vibration information to adjust the focus correction unit's movement, ensuring the shiftable unit shifts in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shiftable unit is shifted for image stabilization in tilt imaging, then camera vibration is corrected, but defocus occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a focus correction unit as an intermediary component between the shiftable unit and the imaging lens. When the shiftable unit shifts to correct camera vibration, the focus correction unit simultaneously shifts in the optical axis direction to compensate for the resulting defocus. This mediator mechanism allows both image stabilization and focus maintenance to occur concurrently without interfering with each other's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the contradiction by operating in an additional dimensional space. While the shiftable unit shifts in the lateral direction (orthogonal to optical axis) for stabilization, the focus correction unit shifts in the longitudinal direction (along optical axis) for focus correction. By utilizing movement in another dimension, the system resolves the conflict between stabilization and focus accuracy that arises when only lateral movement is available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical axis is tilted to achieve tilt imaging effects, then depth of field control is improved, but image blur from vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic compensation by making the focus correction unit's shift amount variable based on real-time conditions. The control unit calculates the required focus correction shift dynamically using the tilt angle and the actual shift amount of the shiftable unit. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the system adapts to different tilt angles and vibration conditions, maintaining image stability while preserving the adaptability benefits of tilt imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the tilt angle and the shiftable unit's shift amount, then uses this information to determine the appropriate focus correction. The feedback loop ensures that any defocus resulting from the interaction between tilt imaging and vibration correction is automatically compensated, maintaining image quality throughout the stabilization process.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical control apparatus configured to control driving of a focus correction unit that moves for focusing along an optical axis of an optical system or a normal of an imaging surface, in imaging in which the optical axis tilts to the normal includes an acquirer configured to acquire tilt information on a tilt of the optical system, and a controller configured to control, as a shiftable unit is driven, the driving of the focus correction unit in accordance with the tilt information and vibration information on a vibration of the optical system or a shift drive amount of the shiftable unit, the shiftable unit being configured to shift in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis or a direction orthogonal to the normal in accordance with the vibration of the optical system for an image stabilization.