Imaging Sensor Shake Correction Vignetting Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interchangeable lenses with insufficient image circle size can cause vignetting when an imaging sensor is moved for shake correction, as existing systems cannot accurately limit the sensor's movement within the lens's image circle without acquired information.

Innovation Solution

The camera system allows the imaging sensor to be driven within the image circle of the interchangeable lens by setting a limited movable range based on user input, using a correction range setting screen to adjust the sensor's movement and prevent vignetting, even when image circle information is not available.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the imaging sensor is moved for shake correction, then image blur correction is improved, but vignetting occurs when the lens image circle is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage blur correctionVSAvoidvignetting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the sensor movable range dynamic by allowing user adjustment through a correction range setting screen. The sensor can be moved within a limited range that is configurable based on the specific lens's image circle characteristics, enabling shake correction while preventing vignetting by adapting the movement constraints to the optical system being used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of sensor movement range from fixed to adjustable. By providing a correction range setting screen, the system allows users to modify the movable range parameters to match the image circle size of different lenses, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving shake correction and avoiding vignetting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the sensor movable range is limited to prevent vignetting, then image quality is improved, but shake correction effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevignetting suppressionVSAvoidshake correction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic movable range that can be adjusted by users through a correction range setting screen. This allows the system to adapt the sensor movement constraints to match the specific optical characteristics of the attached lens, ensuring optimal shake correction effectiveness while preventing vignetting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to change the sensor movable range parameters to optimize performance. By adjusting the correction range settings, users can find the optimal balance between shake correction effectiveness and vignetting prevention for each specific lens-camera combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If automatic movable range limitation is implemented using lens information, then vignetting is prevented, but compatibility with old lenses without communication capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevignetting preventionVSAvoidlens compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to manually configure the sensor movable range through a correction range setting screen when automatic lens detection is not available. This self-service approach allows users to input the appropriate correction range parameters for old lenses that cannot communicate with the camera, ensuring both vignetting prevention and broad lens compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary manual configuration interface (correction range setting screen) that bridges the gap between modern shake correction systems and legacy lenses. This intermediary allows users to translate lens specifications into appropriate sensor movement constraints, enabling old lenses to work with the shake correction system without requiring automated communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach effectively suppresses vignetting in captured images by allowing the user to set the sensor's movement within the lens's image circle, ensuring optimal image quality during shake correction.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging sensor that captures an object image formed through an interchangeable lens, to generate image data; a sensor driver that performs image blur correction by moving the imaging sensor in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Data Source

PatentEP3706407B1Imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3706407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3706407B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an imaging sensor that captures an object image formed through an interchangeable lens, to generate image data, a driver that performs image blur correction by moving the imaging sensor in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, an operation unit that accepts a user operation for changing a movable amount of the imaging sensor during image blur correction, and a controller that causes the driver to move the imaging sensor within a range of a changed movable amount.