Parallel Lens Systems with Integrated Focus Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic imaging lenses with parallel optical systems require large sizes due to the need for separate actuators to drive each optical system and correct focus position shifts, leading to increased apparatus dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus with parallel optical systems that integrates actuator-driven movement of both optical systems using a gear train mechanism, allowing simultaneous focus adjustment and reducing the overall size by optimizing the arrangement of optical axes and drive units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate actuators are used to drive each optical system and correct focus position shifts, then focusing precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single integrated actuator that can drive both the left-eye and right-eye optical systems. This unified actuator structure reduces the overall number of components and space required while maintaining the capability to perform independent focusing adjustments for each optical system through its multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing various focusing operations for both optical systems simultaneously or independently. By making the actuator universal in its functionality, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated actuators for each optical system, thereby reducing device size while preserving focusing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two optical systems are arranged in parallel with separate drive mechanisms, then independent focusing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive mechanisms for both optical systems into a single integrated actuator unit. This unified structure reduces the complexity of having separate drive mechanisms while maintaining the ability to independently focus each optical system through coordinated control of the integrated actuator's multiple driving portions.
Solution Approach 2:
While using a single integrated actuator, the patent segments the actuator into multiple driving portions, each capable of independently driving specific lens groups in the left-eye or right-eye optical systems. This segmentation within the unified actuator allows independent focusing capability while avoiding the complexity of completely separate actuator systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lens apparatus (200) includes a first system (201R), a second system (201L) disposed in parallel with the first system, and a first drive unit (252) configured to move at least one of the first and second systems. Each of the first and second systems has, in order from an object side to an image side, a first axis (OA1R, OA1L), a second axis (OA2R, OA2L), and a third axis (OA3R, OA3L). A distance between the first axes of the first and second systems is longer than a distance between the third axes of the first and second systems. At least a part of the first drive unit is disposed between the first axis of the first system and the first axis of the second system when viewed from a top side of the lens apparatus.