Optical Member Control Apparatus Overlapping Filter Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical member control apparatuses face challenges in reducing switching time and preventing contact/collision between optical filters when multiple filters move on the same plane, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-66801, where simultaneous movement increases the risk of filter interaction.
Innovation Solution
An optical member control apparatus with a drive unit capable of independently moving first and second optical members on the same plane, where the movement of the optical member to be inserted into the optical path is started after the movement of the optical member to be retracted has begun, but not completed, to minimize switching time and prevent filter contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two optical filters are arranged on the same plane to reduce the size of the optical member control apparatus, then the device size is reduced, but the switching time increases due to exclusive operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit starts the movement of the optical member to be inserted into the optical path before the retraction movement is completed. This preliminary action allows the insertion movement to begin in advance, reducing the total switching time while maintaining safe operation by ensuring the retraction has started before insertion begins.
2Loss of time
If one optical filter is moved to the outside of the optical path while moving another optical filter to the optical path simultaneously, then the switching time is reduced, but the possibility of contact or collision between filters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the movement status of optical members and adjusts the timing of insertion and retraction movements based on this feedback. By confirming that retraction movement has started before initiating insertion movement, the system reduces collision risk while maintaining efficient switching timing.
3Reliability
If an optical filter is moved to the outside of the optical path before moving another optical filter to the optical path, then the switching operation is safe, but the switching time increases due to sequential operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit initiates the insertion movement of an optical member before the retraction movement is fully completed, as long as the retraction has started. This preliminary action overlaps the two movements in time, reducing total switching time while maintaining safety through controlled sequential initiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical member control apparatus comprises a first optical member and a second optical member that are arranged to be movable on the same plane that intersects an optical path of light that enters an image capturing element, and when movement is performed to insert either one of the first optical member and the second optical member into the optical path and to retract the other of the first optical member and the second optical member from the optical path, performs control such that movement of the optical member that is to be inserted into the optical path is started after movement of the optical member that is to be retracted from the optical path is started and before the movement is complete.