Optical Filter Retraction Toward Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in efficiently switching optical filters between use and non-use states without increasing size, and in preventing dust from attaching to the optical filters.

Innovation Solution

The image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor, an optical filter, a holding member to hold the optical filter, a driving unit to move the holding member, a grip portion for user handling, and a light blocking member to control the image pickup range. The optical filter is moved between an inserted position within the image pickup range and a retracted position towards the grip portion, with the optical filter located closer to the image sensor than the light blocking member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the optical filter is retracted up and down, then the optical filter can be switched between use and non-use states, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical filter switchingVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter is moved from vertical up-down retraction to horizontal movement toward the grip portion. This dimensional change allows the filter to be stored in the dead space near the grip area, eliminating the need for dedicated vertical retraction space and thus reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining switching functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the optical filter is located closer to the body mount, then the filter can be easily accessed, but dust may enter the apparatus and attach to the filter when the lens is not attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter accessibilityVSAvoiddust attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter is extracted from the traditional position near the body mount and relocated to a new position closer to the grip portion. This extraction removes the filter from the dust-prone area near the mount, preventing dust attachment while the filter remains accessible through the driving unit mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving unit acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the optical filter to move between the image pickup range and the retracted position near the grip portion. This mediator allows the filter to be protected from dust when not in use while maintaining operational accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12321082B2Image pickup apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 CANON KK

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 configured to be gripped by a user, and a light blocking member configured to control blocking or opening of an image pickup range. The driving unit moves the optical filter between (i) a first position at which the optical filter is inserted into the image pickup range and (ii) a second position at which the optical filter is retracted from the image pickup range in a direction from the first position toward the grip portion. The optical filter is located on a side closer to the image sensor than the light blocking member.