Stereo Lens Focus Alignment With Dual Optical System Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens apparatuses with left and right optical systems struggle to eliminate focus differences between images, leading to an uncomfortable viewing experience due to parallax issues, and lack efficient autofocus mechanisms for stereoscopic imaging.
Innovation Solution
A lens apparatus with two optical systems that can switch between autofocus and manual focus modes, allowing independent movement of the optical systems to adjust focus positions and eliminate image differences, using driving units and manual focus operation rings for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simultaneous adjustment of left and right optical systems is performed, then adjustment operation is simplified, but focus difference between left and right images cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical systems into independent left and right optical systems (first optical system and second optical system) that can be adjusted separately. Each optical system has its own driving unit, allowing independent focus adjustment to eliminate focus differences while maintaining simplified operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control unit that receives imaging position information from both optical systems and automatically determines adjustment amounts. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically eliminate focus differences by comparing the imaging positions and adjusting each system accordingly, resolving the contradiction between simplified operation and focus precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If independent adjustment of left and right optical systems is performed, then focus difference can be eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for both optical systems into a single control unit that receives imaging position information from both systems and automatically determines adjustment amounts. This unified control approach eliminates the need for separate complex adjustment mechanisms for each system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining independent adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables each optical system to self-adjust based on feedback from the control unit. The control unit automatically calculates the required adjustment amounts based on imaging position differences, and the driving units execute these adjustments autonomously, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If autofocus is performed on both optical systems simultaneously, then imaging efficiency is improved, but focus alignment between systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary adjustment phase where the control unit receives imaging position information from both optical systems and determines the required adjustment amounts before final imaging. This preliminary action ensures proper focus alignment is established before simultaneous autofocus operation, resolving the contradiction between imaging efficiency and focus alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives imaging position information from both optical systems and uses this feedback to determine appropriate adjustment amounts. This feedback mechanism ensures that even during simultaneous autofocus operation, the focus alignment between systems is maintained by automatically compensating for any differences.
Data Source
AI summary
A lens apparatus attachable to an image pickup apparatus includes a first optical system, a second optical system, and a driving unit that moves at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system in an optical axis direction. The lens apparatus is configured to switch between a first driving mode for performing autofocus by moving both the first optical system and the second optical system in optical axis directions of the first optical system and the second optical system via the driving unit, and a second driving mode for adjusting a difference in imaging position for a same object image between the first optical system and the second optical system by moving the at least one of the first optical system and the second optical system in the optical axis direction via the driving unit.