Vision system cameras with mounts for multiple lens types

Abstract

The present invention provides a vision system housing having a front panel assembly that accommodates multiple types of lens mounts. The front panel is provided with a central aperture that is located at a predetermined axial (camera axis) distance from the plane of the image sensor. The aperture is a stepped aperture that tapers from a large diameter adjacent the front panel to a small diameter adjacent the sensor. This arrangement enables the threaded mounting of multiple types of lens mounts, such as M12 and C-mounts. The threaded base for the M12 lens is mounted inside the small-diameter, front panel aperture, near the sensor. The base for the C-mount lens is mounted on the front portion of the front panel, adjacent the outer surface of the front panel and the housing. The outer (front) surface of the front panel is provided with threaded holes and a removable spring clamping device that is configured and arranged to accommodate a liquid lens mounted on the aperture and an associated lens assembly mounted within the aperture and optically communicating with the liquid lens. The lens can be operated using electrical connections provided by a cable that is connected to a multi-pin socket located next to the aperture on the front panel. The socket is connected to a processor circuit within the housing.

Description

[0001] Divisional Application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application number 201910644705.X, the application date of November 22, 2012, and the title of "Vision System Camera with Base for Multiple Lens Types". Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vision system camera, and more particularly to a lens base for a vision system camera. Background Art

[0004] Vision systems for measuring, inspecting, aligning objects and / or decoding symbols (e.g., barcodes) are widely used in applications and industries. Such systems are based on the use of an image sensor that obtains an image of an object or target (typically a grayscale or color image, and one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional images), and processes the obtained images using an on-board or interconnected vision system processor. The processor typically includes both processing hardware and non-transitory computer-readable program instructions that perform one or more vision system processes based on information from the image processing to produce a desired output. The image information is typically provided in an array of image pixels, each having a different color and / or intensity. In the example of a symbol (barcode) reader, a user or an automated process obtains an image of a target believed to contain one or more barcodes. The image is processed to identify the features of the barcode, and then the features are decoded by a decoding program and / or processor to obtain the underlying alphanumeric data represented by the code.

[0005] There is an increasing need to provide a vision system and related vision system components that can be used for a variety of different purposes. For example, a United States Patent to E. John McGarry et al., titled "Vision Sensors, Systems, and Methods", with application number 12 / 184187, shows and describes an integrated sensor and single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) processor, which may be referred to as a vision system on a chip (VSoC), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference as useful background art information. This architecture provides a highly versatile and widely used vision system platform for different vision system tasks. The general-purpose system can reduce costs by eliminating the need to set up a series of vision system devices established for a specific purpose and for a specific application. Thus, there is a need to provide such a general-purpose vision system platform. Other existing sensor and processor devices (e.g., digital signal processors (DSPs)) can also be used to provide a relatively compact and rugged vision system.

[0006] The program can be easily adapted to special vision system tasks, while the greater challenge is to adapt the physical components to that task. As an example, some vision tasks require larger lenses, such as for movies or C-mount units. Other tasks can be performed excellently using smaller M12 threaded (12mm x 0.5mm thread) lenses, which are also known as "S-mount" or more basically as "M12" lenses. Others are more suitable for liquid lenses or similar devices. As further background art, liquid lenses use two liquids of equal density - oil (as an insulator) and water (as a conductor). A change in the voltage passing through the lens by the surrounding circuitry causes a change in the curvature of the liquid-liquid interface, which in turn causes a change in the focal length of the lens. Some notable advantages of using a liquid lens are the durability of the lens (which has no mechanically moving parts), its fast response time, its relatively good optical quality, its low energy consumption, and its size. Using a liquid lens simplifies the installation, setup, and maintenance of the vision system by eliminating the need to manually touch the lens. Relative to other autofocus mechanisms, the liquid lens has an extremely fast response time. It is also an ideal application for changes in the reading distance from object to object (surface to surface) or during the process of changing from reading one object to another object.

[0007] The choice of lens type (such as C-mount, M12, liquid lens, etc.) is influenced by factors such as the light / illumination, the field of view, the relative angle of the camera axis and the imaging surface, and the level of detail fineness of the imaging surface. Additionally, the cost of the lens and / or the available space for installing the vision system influence the lens choice.

[0008] Thus, it is desirable to provide a vision system that can easily accommodate different types of lenses without the need for costly changes to the physical housing or enclosure of the vision system. Such a vision system should be able to use multiple types of lenses and obtain images of no lower quality compared to using lenses with separate, purpose-built lens mounts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a vision system housing having a front panel assembly that can accommodate multiple lens base types. The front panel includes a central aperture that is located at a predetermined axial (camera axis) distance from the image sensor plane. This central aperture is stepped, with a large diameter near the front and a smaller diameter closer to the sensor. This diameter configuration and the relative depth within the front panel enable the threaded mounting of multiple types of lens bases, such as, by way of example, an M12 lens base and a C-mount base. The threaded base for the M12 lens base is provided within the inner portion of the smaller diameter of the front panel aperture, near the sensor. Additionally, the threaded base for the C-mount lens is provided at the front of the front panel, adjacent to the outer surface of the front panel and the housing. The outer (front) surface of the front panel is provided with threaded holes and a spring clamping mechanism (secured by screws), which is configured and arranged to accommodate a liquid lens disposed on the aperture. The corresponding lens assembly is mounted within the aperture and is optically connected to the liquid lens. The lens is operated using an electrical connection provided by a cable that connects to a multi-pin socket located on the front panel next to the aperture. The socket is connected to a processor circuit located within the housing, enabling it to control the liquid lens.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, a vision system defines a housing that includes a front panel assembly. The front panel assembly includes an aperture that is aligned with an image sensor located within the housing. The aperture includes an outer step having a first diameter and an inner step having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The first step is configured and arranged to receive a first lens type base, and the second step is configured and arranged to receive a second lens type base. By way of example, the outer step is configured and arranged to receive a C-mount lens base, and the inner step is configured and arranged to receive an M12 lens base. Moreover, the front panel assembly is configured and arranged to receive a liquid lens module on the aperture. Exemplarily, a clamping assembly includes a spring assembly having a positioning shoulder that is secured by screws to threaded holes surrounding the aperture and engages an outer housing or cladding portion of the liquid lens module. The front panel assembly also exemplarily includes a first socket connected to a control circuit within the housing that receives a cable to operate the liquid lens module. A second socket also connects the control circuit to an illumination device. Exemplarily, the front panel assembly is connected to a housing body portion using bolts that pass through the housing body and have ends that protrude outside the front panel assembly. These ends may include threaded holes for receiving fasteners that enable the front panel assembly to be connected to a base or accessory.

[0011] More generally, in an exemplary embodiment, a vision system housing includes a body portion having an image sensor within it. A front panel assembly is connected to the body portion. The front panel assembly includes threaded structures for selectively, removably, and directly connecting at least three independent lens types thereto. By way of example, the three lens types may include a C-mount lens, an M12 lens, and a liquid lens module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following description of the present invention refers to the following drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vision system according to an exemplary embodiment, the vision system including a housing that allows detachable connection of various different lens base types, and the shown housing is not connected to a lens;

[0014] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 a side sectional view of the housing taken along line 2-2 in

[0015] Figure 3 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 a perspective view of the vision system in

[0016] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 a side sectional view of the housing taken along line 4-4 in the middle line;

[0017] Figure 5 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 a perspective view of the vision system in

[0018] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 a side sectional view of the housing taken along line 6-6 in the middle line;

[0019] Figure 7 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 6 a perspective view of the vision system shown in

[0020] Figure 8 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 a perspective view of the vision system in

[0021] Figure 9 is along Figure 8 a side sectional view of the housing taken along line 9-9 in the middle line;

[0022] Figure 10 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 8 a front view of the vision system in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] According to Figure 1 and2 , which shows in detail a vision system including an outer package or “housing” 100. The housing 100 can be made of polymers, metals, composites, or different materials according to common techniques. In one embodiment, the vision system includes a front plate portion 110, a body portion 112, and a rear end portion 114. The front plate portion (or “front plate”) 110 is connected to the body and rear end portions using four bolts 116 located within wells in the front plate 110 and engaging threaded holes in the rear end portion, thereby pressing the three parts together against a gasket 118, which can seal the housing to prevent the ingress of moisture or other external environmental media. The structure of the housing varies greatly in alternative embodiments. For example, the housing can be constructed to have an integral or one-piece rear end and body portion or an integral front plate and body. Similarly, other fastening techniques can be used, such as using clamps or clips between two parts.

[0024] In this embodiment, the bolts 116 are located at positions adjacent to each of the four corners of the housing with an approximately rectangular cross-section. The front end portion of each bolt 116 contains respective threaded wells, which can allow the use of threaded fastening devices to connect accessories or to connect the housing itself to a mounting surface. Optionally, the bolts 116 can be replaced with suitable bolts that also pass through holes in the mounting surface or accessory (not shown), connecting the surface / accessory to the housing portion together under suitable pressure.

[0025] The interior of the housing 100 supports an image sensor 212 ( Figure 2 ), which is arranged as an array of image pixels to obtain each image frame. In one embodiment, the sensor array is a CMOS sensor 212 (also referred to as an “imager”), which obtains image data in the form of pixel data. A glass cover 210 is provided to protect the sensor array 212. The sensor 212 is mounted on a printed circuit board 250, which, as depicted, is fixed near the front end of the housing. The sensor circuit board 250 also exemplarily includes processing circuitry (such as a digital signal processor DSP), which receives pixel data from the sensor array 212 and performs different vision system processing on the data according to non-volatile computer-readable program instructions and / or firmware instructions. The sensor circuit board 250 is connected to various power supplies, controls, and other relevant circuit components located on a circuit board 220 within the rear end 114 of the housing. In this embodiment, the two board assemblies 220, 250 are exemplarily connected by a multi-core cable. Other circuit arrangements and connections are clearly foreseeable. For example, in another embodiment, a VSoC device (described previously) can be used to perform image acquisition and processing. The rear end portion 114 (and / or other portions 110, 112 of the housing body) is made of aluminum, thereby acting as a heat sink to assist in the dissipation of heat generated by the circuits within the housing (described further below).

[0026] An external connector 130 (or connectors) is provided on the rear side of the housing 100 to provide power, data, and / or other interface functions. The connector is operatively connected to the circuit board 220. An external status and control panel 140 is also provided at the rear end for providing status displays and feedback for visual system operation to the user (e.g., indicating whether a symbol has been correctly recognized and decoded). Suitable on-off switches and other interface buttons are also provided at this location or other suitable locations on the housing 100.

[0027] The plane of the sensor 212 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 230 of the housing 100 (i.e., the camera axis). It is located within a space 240 of the aperture 150 in the central region leading to the front plate 110. The space 240 is defined by an enclosed wall 242 (having relatively flat sides that define a rectangular cross-section tube) and provides a clearance for the sensor 212. The wall 242 extends from a stepped surface 244 to the surface of the sensor circuit board 250. The distance DS from the stepped surface 244 to the sensor plane is approximately 6 mm. The aperture 150 is defined by an outer step 152 and a narrower inner step 154. Each step is threaded as described below. In particular, the outer step 152 limits a diameter DOS of approximately 25.4 mm (1 inch) and a depth LOS of approximately 5 mm (along the axis). Similarly, the inner step 154 defines a diameter DIS of approximately 12 mm. The outer step 152 is an internal thread with 32 threads per inch (TPI), and the internal thread pitch of the inner step 154 is 0.5 mm. In summary, the position of the steps and the dimensions of the space are configured and arranged to be suitable for the focal length of each type of lens used herein.

[0028] In one embodiment, the front plate assembly 110 is made of metal (e.g., die-cast aluminum alloy) and is finished using suitable machining processes. The casting includes the aforementioned notches 152, 154 and other support structures for the lens and other internal components (i.e., walls 242, 251, 252). In particular, the support wall 242 (etc.), which contacts and / or surrounds the sensor circuit board 250, is used to help dissipate heat from the circuit board 250 and its associated components into the housing structure, and the heat is dissipated from the housing structure into the surrounding air. In a modified embodiment, the arrangement and construction of the support structure can be changed. In summary, the thickness of the walls used in this support structure is selected to provide sufficient structural strength relative to the material used to manufacture the front plate 110. Along its front face 164, the front plate assembly 110 includes a plurality of threaded holes 160 that can be internally threaded to any suitable size to receive corresponding threaded screws (described below). Such screws can be used to connect a plurality of fittings and accessories to the front plate.

[0029] It should be noted that directional terms such as "front, rear, top, bottom, right, left", and variations or synonyms thereof, should only be considered relative conventions and not as absolute direction indicators of the structure relative to the direction of gravity.

[0030] Specifically in accordance with Figure 1 , the face 164 of the front plate assembly 110 is provided with a pair of connection sockets 170 and 172, each facing the right and left sides (when viewed from the front) of the aperture 150. The two sockets include respective connectors that are connected to the processor circuits of the system (i.e., 250 and 220). The right socket 170 is used to operate the optics of the liquid lens (described previously and will be described again below). The left socket 172 is used to connect and operate a lighting assembly that is directly connected to the front plate through the threaded hole 160 or can be separately mounted. The lighting assembly is described in more detail in a pending U.S. patent application belonging to the same assignee, Serial No. [Attorney Docket No. 119 / 0116—S / N to be provided], titled Camera System with Variable Lighting Assembly, invented by Laurens Nunnink, filed on the same date as the present invention, and the teachings thereof are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference as useful background art information.

[0031] The periphery 180 of the aperture 150 is provided with an annular spring assembly 182, and the spring assembly has a pair of diametrically opposed, radially inwardly directed positioning shoulders 184. The spring assembly 182 is detachably fixed to the front face 164 by opposing screws 186 (M2 thread in this embodiment) that are screwed into holes ( Figure 5 502 therein). In one embodiment, the distance (center distance) between the screws 186 is approximately 28 millimeters, passing through the camera axis (230). As described further below, the detachable spring assembly is constructed and arranged to hold the liquid lens assembly.

[0032] It is contemplated that the user accepts the housing 100 having an end cap (not shown) for protecting the aperture and the sensor, and the lens used is purchased separately, and as described further below, the user connects the lens in a simple and direct manner. Optionally, the manufacturer may set the lens on the housing. In both cases, there is a wide range of lens choices.

[0033] The basic structure and function of the housing 100 and the front plate assembly 110 have been described in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. Now, the use of different types of lenses connected to the housing will be further described. Refer to Figure 3 and 4, according to an embodiment, the housing 110 is provided with an additional M12 lens 310. As a non-limiting example, the lens is a commercially available M12 lens with a conventional M12 threaded base. The external threads of the lens are fixed to the internal threads of the narrower, more internal step 154 and prevent it from being screwed further inward. A countersunk nut 320 is typically used to lock it in place. The countersunk nut is first screwed onto the lens 310 before being connected to the front plate assembly 110. The countersunk nut 320 used can be adhered in place along the lens by the manufacturer (or other person) using an adhesive or other fixing technique. This ensures that when the lens is fastened in place (e.g., by the user) to form the shown tight engagement with the front face 430 of the step 154, it is also fixed at a suitable, predetermined distance from the image plane of the sensor. Thus, the lens 310 is locked at a predetermined offset distance from the plane of the sensor 212 (to provide a suitable focal length). Optionally, when the user attempts to change the mounting position of the lens, the countersunk nut may not be fixed to the lens threads and can be rotated in the reverse direction by the user (or other person) to fix the lens to the desired position.

[0034] The front end of the lens is provided with a radially outwardly extending ring 330 that engages with the inner circumference of an optional frustoconical-shaped stop 410 ( Figure 4 ). The stop protects the area of the aperture 150 between the front end of the lens and the outer step 152, and prevents the inadvertently loosening or readjustment of the fastened lens / counterbore ring 310 / 320, and prevents dirt and moisture from seeping in. The stop 410 can be of any acceptable shape or, optionally, omitted. It is fixed to the front plate assembly 110 by a press-fit friction fit with the internal threads within the outer step 152. As Figure 4 shown, the stop is exemplarily installed by pressing into a threaded well until it abuts against the front face 430 of the inner step 154. The stop can be made of an elastomeric material. In an alternative embodiment, a different fixing system can be used for the stop relative to the housing front plate assembly 110, such as a clip or engagement threads.

[0035] Obviously, connecting and disconnecting the exemplary M12 lens 310 is relatively simple and requires only a few components with threaded rotation relative to the inner step 154 and (optionally) the outer step 152. Thus, the user or manufacturer can assemble an M12 lens vision system from some existing components as desired. Similarly, if the user requires a vision system based on a C-mount lens, the housing can be assembled as Figures 5 - 7 shown.

[0036] As shown, the external threaded base 512 of the exemplary C-mount lens 510 is threadedly connected to as Figure 6The internal thread of the outer step 152 shown. The base 512 is fastened until its rear shoulder 620 engages the perimeter 180 of the aperture 150. The perimeter 180 is spaced a suitable distance from the plane of the sensor to provide a proper focal length for the lens 510 relative to the sensor image plane. The lens shoulder 620 on the perimeter 180 may be slightly recessed (as shown) relative to the surrounding front face 164 to provide proper clearance, or it may be raised relative thereto to provide a proper focal length. In an alternative embodiment, the step 152 and its front perimeter may be a lockable insert that is adjustable within the surrounding front plate assembly (e.g., mating external coaxial threads are used between the insert and the front plate) to allow the fixed position of the lens to be changed, thereby altering the focal length. In particular, the optical components of the lens 510 in combination with the geometry of the front plate assembly 110 focus the received light so that they pass through the small diameter step 154 without being affected by the rear end 630 of the lens 510 and into the space 240. In this way, the light received by the lens 510 is focused to cover the area of the sensor 212.

[0037] The C-mount lens is optionally covered by a shield (or end cap) assembly 710( Figure 7 ) to primarily protect it from the ingress of dirt / contaminants and moisture. The shield 710 may also protect the lens arrangement from being inadvertently altered. The shield assembly includes a gasket plate 720 covering the front face (164) and an overlying shield base 730. The gasket plate 720 and the shield base are provided with through holes that expose the central threaded holes (120) of each mounting bolt 116. This allows the system to be mounted as described above or to receive additional accessories on top of the shield base 730. Thus, in this configuration, the gasket plate 720 and the shield base 730 cover and seal the sockets (170, 172). In an alternative embodiment, the socket 170 and 172 or one of them may be exposed through the gasket plate 720 and the shield base 730. The shield base 730 and the gasket plate 720 are fixed to the front plate assembly 110, which is press-fixed by four screws (not shown) that are threaded into screw holes 160 formed in the front plate assembly 110. In this embodiment, the shield base 730 is countersunk in the area of each threaded hole 160 to receive machine screws of a corresponding shape. Different screws or any other fixing means for fixing the shield base 730 and (optional) gasket plate 720 may be used in alternative embodiments. The front ring 732 of the shield base 730 houses the shield body 740, which covers and encloses the lens 510. The shield body 740 may be constructed as a single piece or as multiple pieces (e.g., the shown body and the boss). It may be fixed to the ring 732 by a threaded connection or other fixing means.

[0038] In particular, referring to Figures 8 - 10, according to an exemplary embodiment, the versatility of the housing 100 and the front plate assembly 110 enables the installation of an automatically controlled, autofocus liquid lens 810. Also in accordance with the foregoing description, the liquid lens uses two liquids of equal density - oil is an insulator and water is a conductor. By varying the voltage passing through the lens via the surrounding circuitry, a change in the curvature of the liquid-liquid interface is caused, which in turn causes a change in the focal length of the lens. Some of the significant advantages of using a liquid lens are the lens's durability (it has no mechanically moving parts), its fast response time, its relatively good optical quality, its low energy consumption, and its size. Using a liquid lens simplifies the installation, setup, and maintenance of the vision system by eliminating the need to manually touch the lens. As described above, the liquid lens has an extremely fast response time compared to other autofocus mechanisms. It is also an ideal application for changes in the reading distance from object to object (surface to surface) or during the process of changing from reading one object to another.

[0039] In this embodiment, the exemplary liquid lens 810 can be based on commercially available liquid lens components 910 ( Figure 9 ), purchased from Varioptic SA of France. The liquid lens component 910 is installed within the housing layer / housing 820 and is held in place by the spring shoulder 184 described above. It should be clear that different holding devices can be used for the liquid lens. For example, the housing can be provided with a C-type base that engages the threads of the outer step 152. The advantage of the spring holding the lens assembly is that it allows the positioning of the connector cable 830 in a position that leads appropriately to the socket 170 (where the connector 832 of the cable is Figure 8 shown as being connected). It should be noted that the socket and the connector can be any acceptable multi-pin device that provides sufficient connection to control the lens.

[0040] The inner surface of the lens housing body or housing 820 engages an O-ring 920 (or other elastic structure that allows an intermediate opening), and this O-ring is in turn pressed against the circuit board 922. The circuit board 922 includes control circuitry for focusing the lens component 910 according to the corresponding technology. The lens is pressed between the circuit board and the internal fixed lens assembly 940, which focuses the light from the liquid lens component onto the sensor 212. The fixed lens assembly 940 is fixed within the front plate assembly 110 by engaging the threads of the inner step 154. A locking ring 942 can prevent loosening of this lens assembly 940. The pressure exerted by the spring positioning shoulder 184 is sufficient to keep the lens component 910 free from movement and vibration, but this pressure must also be maintained within a preset limit to avoid over-pressing the lens component 910, which would affect performance or damage the lens.

[0041] Briefly referring to Figure 10Front view, with the spring retaining shoulders configured to engage corresponding supports 1010 located on each opposing side of the lens housing / casing 820. Similar spring assembly hold-down screws 186 are provided, with the supports 1010 positioned at an angle that is neither perpendicular nor horizontal with respect to the geometry (top, bottom, left, and right) of the system housing 100. This allows the cable 830 to extend from the top of the lens housing / casing without interference from the hold-down components. In this example, the spring shoulders 184 (and supports 1010) are aligned along a line that is substantially perpendicular to the line between the screws 186. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer screws and / or spring shoulders 184 (in addition to other securing means) may be used to hold the lens 810 with respect to the front face 164 of the housing 100. Similarly, it is contemplated that the entire spring assembly may be constructed as a single unit having a suitable number of retaining shoulders for securing the lens, or as a multi-component unit, each having one or more shoulders (as shown).

[0042] It should be clear that, in alternative embodiments, the arrangement of the components of both (or one of) the internal fixed lens assembly 942 and the liquid lens module 801 on the cover can vary significantly. The exemplary embodiments described are an effective arrangement that can be simply assembled by the manufacturer or user.

[0043] It is clear that this vision system housing and the corresponding front panel structure provide a highly versatile system for selecting and "directly connecting" different required lens and lens base types that are not interchangeable on separate housings without additional adapters. Such adapters reduce precision, increase the likelihood of component loosening, and generally increase system complexity. The vision system obtained here requires few dedicated components, allowing for more customization by the manufacturer and end user. More particularly, the system enables the end user to change the external lens type so that the system can be updated as needed or reconfigured for a new usage task from a previous usage.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. Different changes and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of the embodiments described above can be combined with other embodiments to provide more features. Moreover, although multiple independent embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention have been described above, the content described herein is only an exemplary application of the principles of the present invention. For example, although an exemplary housing is used with M12 and C-mount lenses, it is clear that an adapter can be used to allow connection of other types of lenses, such as T-mount lenses, such as the alternative embodiment with an outer stepped insert described above. Similarly, the front plate assembly can be configured and arranged to connect different mounts through appropriate dimensions and threaded stepped apertures. Moreover, although screws are used to connect different components, it is clear that other types of fasteners can be used for different connections, such as quick connectors, rivets, clips, etc. Moreover, in one embodiment, multiple front plate assemblies can be manufactured and provided to a standard body portion and a backend to make the vision system more versatile. Additionally, any of the processes or processors can include one or more electronic hardware components, software in the form of non-program instructions on a computer-readable medium, or a combination of hardware and software. Generally speaking, the term "process" should be broadly understood to include the combination of different hardware components and / or software program steps that implement one or more functions within a system or method. Therefore, these descriptions are only examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vision system housing, comprising: A front plate assembly including an aperture aligned with an image sensor located inside the vision system housing, the aperture including an outer step having a first diameter and an inner step having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; A mounting assembly located on an outer surface of the front plate assembly, adjacent to the aperture, configured and arranged to secure a liquid lens module; The inner step is configured and arranged to engage a fixed lens assembly operatively associated with the liquid lens module to receive a first lens type base, and the outer step is configured and arranged to receive a second lens type base; and A countersunk nut that engages the liquid lens module at a predetermined position such that when the countersunk nut engages a front surface disposed between the outer step and the inner step, the liquid lens module is positioned at a predetermined distance from the image sensor.

2. The vision system housing according to claim 1, wherein, The outer step and the inner step each include an internal thread that engages an external thread in the first lens type base and the second lens type base, respectively.

3. The vision system housing according to claim 2, wherein, The outer step is configured and arranged to accommodate a C-mount lens base, and the inner step is configured and arranged to accommodate an M12 lens base.

4. The vision system housing according to claim 1, wherein, It further includes a clamping assembly that is attached to the outer surface of the front plate assembly and removably engages the housing of the liquid lens module.

5. The vision system housing according to claim 4, wherein, The clamping assembly includes a spring assembly having a shoulder that press-engages a portion of the housing.

6. The vision system housing according to claim 5, wherein, The spring assembly is removably attached to the outer surface of the front plate assembly by a threaded fastener.

7. The vision system housing according to claim 1, wherein, The front plate assembly includes a first socket interconnected with a control circuit inside the housing, and the first socket receives a cable to operate the liquid lens module.

8. The vision system housing according to claim 7, wherein, The front plate assembly includes a second socket interconnected with a control circuit inside the housing, and the second socket receives a cable to operate an illuminator.

9. The vision system housing according to claim 1, wherein, The front plate assembly is attached to a main body portion of the housing by bolts, and ends of the bolts are exposed on an outer surface of the front plate assembly and penetrate into the main body portion.

10. The vision system housing according to claim 9, wherein, The bolt includes a threaded hole for attaching at least one of a base and an accessory to the front plate assembly.

11. The vision system housing according to claim 1, wherein, The outer step is configured and arranged to threadedly receive a C-mount lens base, and the front plate assembly includes a plurality of threaded holes that receive fasteners for securing a shield assembly covering the C-mount lens.

12. A vision system housing, comprising: A front plate assembly, including an aperture aligned with an image sensor located inside a vision system housing, the aperture including an outer step having a first diameter and an inner step having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; A mounting assembly, located on an outer surface of the front plate assembly, configured and arranged to secure a liquid lens module; The inner step is configured and arranged to engage a fixed lens assembly operatively associated with the liquid lens module to receive a first lens type base, and the outer step is configured and arranged to receive a second lens type base; And A countersunk nut, engaging the liquid lens module at a predetermined location such that when the countersunk nut engages a front surface disposed between the outer step and the inner step, the liquid lens module is positioned at a predetermined distance from the image sensor.

Images