Stereoscopic Lens Apparatus with Single Actuator Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic optical systems face challenges in achieving variable focal lengths without significant positional errors between zoom lenses, leading to suboptimal stereoscopic effects during imaging.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic optical system with two optical systems arranged in parallel, where each system consists of three lens units, with only the second lens unit being movable to change the focal length, ensuring reduced relative errors and compact design by eliminating the need for a cam ring and integrating lens movements with a single actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movable units are moved to change focal length in zoom lenses, then focal length is variable, but positional errors between the two zoom lenses increase causing poor stereoscopic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focal length adjustment mechanism of two separate zoom lenses into a single actuator that simultaneously controls one movable lens unit in each optical system. This unified control ensures both optical systems change focal length together, eliminating positional errors between them while maintaining variable focal length capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single actuator performs the function of controlling focal length for both optical systems simultaneously. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate actuators for each lens, ensuring synchronized operation and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two zoom lenses with multiple movable units are used for stereoscopic imaging, then variable focal length is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single actuator that simultaneously adjusts the movable lens unit in both optical systems. This reduces the number of independent control mechanisms from two separate actuators to one, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining variable focal length functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional stereoscopic optical systems are used, then imaging is possible, but relative errors between optical systems cause poor stereoscopic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements synchronized control where a single actuator's movement is simultaneously transmitted to both optical systems through a shared transmission mechanism. This ensures both systems undergo identical focal length changes, providing inherent feedback synchronization that eliminates relative errors and ensures high-quality stereoscopic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic optical system includes two optical systems arranged in parallel. Optical images corresponding to the two optical systems are formed on different areas in a single image sensor. Each of the two optical systems includes a plurality of lens units. A distance between adjacent lens units changes when a focal length changes in each of the two optical systems. One of the plurality of lens units is a movable lens unit. A predetermined inequality is satisfied.