Optical Zoom Tracking Apparatus Focus Lens Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical zoom lens systems experience unexpected defocusing issues during zooming operations, leading to dim images and inadequate power management, which limits camera functionality in mobile devices with limited battery power.
Innovation Solution
An optical zoom tracking apparatus comprising a zoom lens, a focus lens, and controllers that determine and adjust the moving distance of the focus lens in synchronization with the zoom lens, along with a battery lifetime detector to switch to a division tracking mode when power is low, ensuring continuous focus and efficient power use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the zoom lens moves to adjust magnification during zooming operation, then the magnifying power changes, but the focus plane moves resulting in defocusing and dim images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores zoom tracking curve data that defines the relationship between zoom lens position and focus lens position. Before zooming occurs, the controller uses this pre-calculated data to determine the exact movement distance the focus lens must travel to maintain focus, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during zooming operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the zoom lens position and uses the stored zoom tracking curve data to calculate and adjust the focus lens position in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the focus lens moves precisely to maintain the in-focus state throughout the zooming operation, preventing defocusing and image dimming.
2Reliability
If the optical zoom function is implemented with continuous zoom tracking, then clear images are maintained during zooming, but battery power is consumed rapidly limiting camera functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects battery lifetime and power consumption levels, and when power is insufficient, it selectively disables continuous zoom tracking and allows the focus lens to remain stationary. This partial action approach maintains image quality when power is adequate but conserves energy when power is low, preventing forced shutdowns during camera operation.
3Reliability
If the focus lens is moved to maintain focus during zooming, then the in-focus status is maintained, but the system requires complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The zoom tracking curve data is pre-stored in the controller, containing all the information needed to determine focus lens movement distance for any given zoom lens position. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations or sophisticated control algorithms, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining reliable focus status throughout zooming operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical zoom tracking apparatus and method, and a computer-readable recording medium for performing the optical zoom tracking, the optical zoom tracking apparatus commands a focus lens to move according to a continuous zooming operation, such that a clear image can be maintained while the image is continuously zoomed in or out, resulting in the effective use of limited power if an optical zoom function of a digital camera or mobile phone is executed. The optical zoom tracking apparatus includes: a zoom lens, a focus lens interoperable with the zoom lens, a zoom-lens drive moving the zoom lens, a focus-lens drive moving the focus lens, and a focus-lens controller for determining a moving distance of the focus lens according to a moving distance of the zoom lens, and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the moving distance of the focus lens to the focus-lens drive.