Normally-Open Shutter Mechanism for Stable Image Data Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging devices with live-view functions, normally-closed shutter devices lead to increased power consumption due to continuous electricity supply, while normally-open types may result in unstable image data reading due to mechanical fluctuations in drive members, such as gears or cams, which can cause premature switching from the closed state during image data reading.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a normally-open type shutter mechanism, equipped with an actuator, position detector, and drive controller, where the actuator stores driving force during image data reading and the drive controller delays the shutter mechanism's switch to the open state if the position detector indicates incomplete data reading, preventing premature switching and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normally-closed type shutter device is used to block light during image data reading, then image data reading stability is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous electricity supply to the electromagnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional shutter type by using a normally-open type shutter that remains open by default and only closes when needed. This eliminates the need for continuous power supply to maintain the closed state, thereby reducing power consumption while still ensuring stable image data reading when the shutter is closed during exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter operates with periodic action, closing only during the exposure period to block light, and remaining open during other periods including image data reading. This periodic operation pattern allows the shutter to maintain reliability during critical exposure moments while minimizing power consumption during non-critical periods through mechanical holding of the open state.
2Productivity
If charging is performed during image data reading to speed up live view start, then imaging interval is shortened, but the shutter mechanism may switch to open state prematurely due to mechanical fluctuations in drive members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a position detector that provides feedback on the shutter mechanism's actual position. The drive controller uses this feedback information to monitor whether the shutter has switched to the open state during image data reading. When premature switching is detected, the controller can adjust the charging timing or duration to prevent such fluctuations, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving shorter imaging intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging process based on real-time detection of shutter position. The drive controller can modulate the actuator's operation during charging, adapting the charging duration or intensity based on detected mechanical fluctuations. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize imaging interval while preventing premature shutter opening due to mechanical variations in drive members.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an imaging element, a shutter mechanism, an actuator, a position detector, and a drive controller. The shutter mechanism is switchable between an open and a closed state to control the light incident on the imaging element. The actuator is configured to drive the shutter mechanism. The position detector is configured to detect the time between when the actuator begins storing the driving force and when the shutter mechanism switches from the closed state. The drive controller is configured to direct the actuator to begin storing the driving force while image data is being read from the imaging element, and to control the actuator so as to delay the time when the shutter mechanism is switched from the closed state if the position detector detects that the shutter mechanism is in the first state prior to completion of the image data being read from the imaging element.