Retractable Lens Barrel Image Capture System View Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses with high zoom ratios face challenges in acquiring precise object distance information over a wide range due to the shielding of the sub image capturing system's angle of view by the retractable lens barrel and the resulting increase in apparatus size, as well as a reduced common angle-of-view range and object distance range, especially when capturing short-distance objects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a main image capturing system with a high zoom ratio, combined with a first sub optical system having a wider angle of view than the main system and a second sub optical system with a narrower angle of view between the wide-angle and telephoto ends, where the optical barrel is retractable, and the sub optical systems are positioned to satisfy specific inter-axis distance and angle conditions to prevent view shielding and maintain a wide capture range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the retractable lens barrel of the main image capturing system is extended, then the main image capturing system can achieve high zoom ratio, but the angle of view of the sub image capturing system is shielded by the extended lens barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the sub image capturing system in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the main image capturing system. This spatial arrangement in a different dimension allows the sub system to capture images without being blocked by the extended lens barrel of the main system, resolving the view shielding issue while maintaining high zoom capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between the lens in the sub image capturing system and the lens barrel of the main image capturing system is increased to prevent view shielding, then the view shielding is avoided, but the image capturing apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the sub image capturing system perpendicular to the main optical axis, the patent achieves view shielding prevention without increasing the distance along the optical axis direction. This dimensional repositioning allows compact apparatus design while avoiding the view shielding problem.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sub image capturing system is positioned significantly distant from the main image capturing system, then the angle of view shielding is prevented, but the common angle-of-view range and object distance range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the sub image capturing system in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the main image capturing system. This spatial arrangement allows both systems to operate effectively across a wide object distance range without view shielding, as the perpendicular positioning ensures overlapping fields of view from near to far distances.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes a main image capturing system configured to capture an object image formed by a main optical system that can vary a magnification, a first sub capturing system configured to capture an object image formed by a first sub optical system having an angle of view equal to or wider than that at a wide-angle end of the main optical system, and a second sub capturing system configured to capture an object image formed by a second sub optical system having an angle of view narrower than that at a wide-angle end and equal to or wider than that at a telephoto end of the main optical system. An optical barrel configured to hold the main optical system can be retracted relative to a body of the image capturing apparatus. A predetermined condition is satisfied.