Noncontact Lens Communication via Optocoupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup systems face instability and malfunctions due to wired communication between lens barrels and driving units with different power supplies, leading to incorrect positional information transfer.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup system employing noncontact communication between a lens barrel and a driving unit, utilizing separate power supplies for each component, with a lens communication unit and a DU communication unit enabling wireless or optical communication to prevent malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wired communication is used between lens barrel and driving unit, then positional information can be transferred, but unstable operation and malfunctions occur due to connection of different power supply GNDs
Solution Approach 1:
An optocoupler is introduced as an intermediary component between the lens barrel communication terminal and the driving unit communication terminal. The optocoupler transfers signals between the two units without direct electrical connection, thereby preventing ground potential differences from causing instability while maintaining information transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wired electrical communication system with an optical communication system using an optocoupler. This substitution eliminates the harmful electrical connection between different power supply grounds while preserving the signal transmission function, thus resolving the reliability issue.
2Reliability
If separate power supplies are used for lens barrel and driving unit, then operation stability is improved, but communication between units becomes problematic due to different ground potentials
Solution Approach 1:
The optocoupler serves as a mediator that enables communication between the lens barrel and driving unit while they operate on separate power supplies. By converting electrical signals to optical signals and back, it allows independent power supplies without compromising communication functionality.
3Loss of information
If position sensor is formed in driving unit instead of lens barrel, then lens barrel can transfer positional information, but wired communication causes ground connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The optocoupler is positioned in the communication path between the lens barrel terminal and driving unit terminal, acting as an intermediary that transfers the positional information from the position sensor in the driving unit without requiring direct electrical connection, thus preventing ground connection issues.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures stable operation by allowing independent power supply for each unit, preventing malfunctions and ensuring accurate positional information transfer between the lens barrel and the driving unit.
Implementation Method 1
the first communication unit is configured to send/receive signals to/from the drive unit in an electrically noncontact manner
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lens apparatus which is communicable with a drive unit including: a movable optical member; and a first communication unit which is communicable with the drive unit, wherein the first communication unit receives an electric power supply different from an electric power supply which supplies an electric power to the drive unit, and wherein the first communication unit is configured to send/receive signals to/from the drive unit in an electrically noncontact manner.