Parallel Lens Systems With Integrated Drives for Compact 3D Imaging
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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 includes a first drive unit to move one system and a second drive unit to integrally move both systems, utilizing a gear train to generate large torque and reduce size by optimizing the arrangement of optical axes and drive mechanisms.
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 accuracy is improved, but the size of the lens apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single integrated actuator that can drive both optical systems. This merging approach maintains the ability to correct focus position shifts between systems while reducing the overall number of components and the apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both focusing for individual optical systems and correction of focus position shifts between systems. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated actuators for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are arranged to drive optical systems independently, then focus adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuator functions are merged into a single actuator unit that can independently or collectively drive the optical systems. This reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the versatility of focus adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed with dynamic control capabilities that allow it to adapt its operation mode (independent or integral driving) based on the focusing requirements, providing flexibility without increasing hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus includes a first system, a second system disposed in parallel with the first system, and a first drive unit including an actuator configured to move at least one of the first system and the second system. Each of the first system and the second system has, in order from an object side to an image side, a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. A distance between the first axis of the first system and the first axis of the second system is longer than a distance between the third axis of the first system and the third axis of the second system. 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.