Stereoscopic Camera Dual Optical System Focus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic imaging systems face complexity and inefficiency in focusing, particularly when the diopter adjusting function and focusing function are switched using a single operating member, leading to complicated operations and difficulties in achieving fast and accurate focusing.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus is designed with at least one image sensor to capture object images from two parallel optical systems, a focus detector to assess the focus state, a processor to perform independent focus control for each optical system, and an input unit for user-defined target positions. This setup allows for simultaneous focus control and user notification of focus completion for both optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single operating member is used to switch between diopter adjusting function and focusing function, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control functions into separate operating members: one for diopter adjustment and another for focusing. This segmentation allows each operating member to be dedicated to a specific function, improving ease of operation and productivity while maintaining acceptable device complexity through functional separation.
2Device complexity
If a single operating member is used to switch between diopter adjusting function and focusing function, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the diopter adjustment function and focusing function into different operating members, enabling simultaneous or rapid sequential operation of both functions without switching delays. This improves productivity by eliminating the time required to switch functions while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If individual autofocus is performed for each optical system, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements individual autofocus control for each optical system with separate target position setting, allowing precise focus measurement for each eye's optical system. The segmentation of control functions is achieved through software/control logic rather than complex hardware, maintaining acceptable device complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit that acts as an intermediary to manage the individual autofocus operations of multiple optical systems. This mediator coordinates the focus control, sets target positions, and manages the complexity internally, allowing precise individual focusing without requiring complex user operations or hardware modifications.
4Measurement precision
If individual autofocus is performed for each optical system, then the productivity deteriorates, but the measurement precision is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that automates the coordination of individual autofocus operations for multiple optical systems. It automatically sets corresponding target positions for each system and manages the focusing process, improving measurement precision while maintaining productivity through automated control rather than manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes at least one image sensor, a focus detector, a processor configured to perform focus control of each of the first optical system and the second optical system based on the focus state, and an input unit configured to allow a user to input a first target position in an imaging range through the first optical system. The processor is configured to perform focus control of the first optical system according to the focus state at the first target position, set a second target position corresponding to the first target position in an imaging range through the second optical system, perform focus control of the second optical system according to the focus state at the second target position, and notify the user of a completion of the focus control of each of the first optical system and the second optical system.