Lens alignment device and method
By using a lens alignment device and method based on projection point patterns, the problem of lens and sensor alignment errors has been solved, achieving miniaturized, integrated, and high-resolution lens alignment, and adapting to equipment modifications at different distances.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480026547.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-04-17
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
AI Technical Summary
When assembling optical components, existing methods are unable to effectively reduce the alignment errors of lenses and sensors, resulting in a decline in the performance of optical components. Furthermore, the alignment equipment is large in size, making it impossible to achieve high-resolution information acquisition and equipment integration.
A fixed unit employs a projector that projects a dot pattern, a fixed lens, and a sensor. By moving the lens and sensor to minimize the dot pattern size, a laser unit, an optical unit, and a diffraction unit are used to form collimated light and a dot pattern. Alignment is achieved by moving the lens and sensor in multiple directions through the fixed unit.
It achieves miniaturization of the lens alignment device, supports equipment integration, improves alignment accuracy and resolution, enables simultaneous lens alignment and inspection, and adapts to different target distances.
Smart Images
Figure CN121014012A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a lens alignment apparatus and method. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for aligning a lens and a sensor by projecting a dot pattern and minimizing the size of the dot pattern measured by a sensor. Background Technology
[0002] Recently, the development of IT products such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops with built-in ultra-compact digital cameras has been actively underway. In the case of camera modules installed in small electronic devices such as smartphones, the components constituting the camera module are manufactured separately and then assembled to complete the camera module.
[0003] When assembling optical components such as lenses and sensors, alignment errors can occur, such as the lens or sensor being misaligned or tilted off the optical axis. Even minute misalignment errors in lenses and sensors can have a significant impact on the performance of optical elements.
[0004] Traditional methods for aligning optical components use charts that match the viewing angle of sensors, cameras, etc. The problem with this chart method is that the chart size varies depending on the size and distance of the optical components, consequently requiring larger devices for alignment.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a method to minimize alignment errors and more effectively align optical units during the assembly of optical components. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Technical issues Embodiments of the present invention provide a lens alignment device and method that can reduce the size of the device.
[0007] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a lens alignment device and method that enable device integration.
[0008] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a lens alignment apparatus and method that enable the acquisition of high-resolution information.
[0009] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a lens alignment device and method that can achieve more accurate lens alignment.
[0010] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a lens alignment apparatus and method that enable lens alignment and inspection to be performed simultaneously.
[0011] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a lens alignment device that enables equipment modification regardless of the target distance.
[0012] The problems to be solved in the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and may also include purposes or effects that can be understood from the solutions or embodiments of the problems described below.
[0013] Technical solution The lens alignment device according to an embodiment includes a projector configured to project a dot pattern, a first fixing unit configured to fix a lens, and a second fixing unit configured to fix a sensor, wherein the projector projects the dot pattern such that the dot pattern passes through the lens and reaches the sensor, and at least one of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit moves at least one of the lens and the sensor to align the lens and the sensor such that the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor is minimized.
[0014] In the lens alignment apparatus according to the embodiment, the projector may include a laser unit that outputs an optical signal, an optical unit that changes the path of the optical signal to form collimated light, and a diffraction unit that allows the collimated light to pass through to form a dot pattern.
[0015] In the lens alignment device according to the embodiment, the optical unit includes a first lens group, a second lens group and a third lens group. The first lens group can disperse the light signal into collimated light, the second lens group can collect the parallel dispersed light signal, and the third lens group can make the collected light signal parallel again.
[0016] In the lens alignment apparatus according to the embodiment, the diffraction unit can diffract collimated light and replicate the collimated light into a plurality of circular patterns, and the dot pattern can be a pattern in which a plurality of circular patterns are repeated at regular intervals.
[0017] In the lens alignment device according to the embodiment, the spacing between multiple circular patterns can be the same regardless of the distance between the projector and the sensor.
[0018] In the lens alignment apparatus according to the embodiment, the diffraction unit may include diffractive optical elements.
[0019] In the lens alignment device according to the embodiment, at least one of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit can move at least one of the lens and the sensor in a first direction, and the first direction can be a direction parallel to the direction of the projection point pattern from the projector.
[0020] In the lens alignment device according to the embodiment, at least one of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit can move at least one of the lens and the sensor upward in a second direction or a third direction perpendicular to the second direction to align the lens and the sensor along the same optical axis, and the second direction and the third direction can be directions perpendicular to the direction of the projector projection point pattern.
[0021] In the lens alignment device according to the embodiment, the dot pattern projection area of the projector can be smaller than the area of the upper surface of the lens and the area of the upper surface of the sensor.
[0022] According to another embodiment, the lens alignment method includes: sequentially arranging a projector, a lens, and a sensor in a first direction from which a dot pattern is projected from the projector; tilting the sensor and the lens in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; moving the lens in the first direction to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor; and moving the lens in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction or a fourth direction perpendicular to both the first and third directions to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor.
[0023] The lens alignment method according to the embodiment may further include the step of fixing the lens and the sensor, and the step of ultraviolet curing (UV curing) the fixed lens and sensor.
[0024] In the lens alignment method according to the embodiment, the projector may include a laser unit that outputs an optical signal, an optical unit that changes the path of the optical signal to form collimated light, and a diffraction unit that allows the collimated light to pass through to form a dot pattern.
[0025] In the lens alignment method according to the embodiment, the diffraction unit can diffract the collimated light and replicate the collimated light into a plurality of circular patterns, and the dot pattern can be a pattern in which a plurality of circular patterns are repeated at regular intervals.
[0026] Beneficial effects According to embodiments, a lens alignment device and method can be provided that can reduce the size of the device.
[0027] In addition, a lens alignment device and method can be provided that enables device integration.
[0028] In addition, a lens alignment device and method can be provided that enables the acquisition of high-resolution information.
[0029] In addition, a lens alignment device and method can be provided that enables more accurate lens alignment.
[0030] In addition, a lens alignment apparatus and method may be provided that enables simultaneous lens alignment and inspection.
[0031] In addition, a lens alignment device can be provided that allows for equipment modification regardless of the target distance.
[0032] The various advantages and benefits of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and will be more readily understood in the process of explaining specific embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0034] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram of a lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0035] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram of the projector of the lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0036] Figure 4 This is an image showing a dot pattern of a lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0037] Figure 5 This is an image showing the variation in the size of the dot pattern of the lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a lens alignment method according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0039] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040] However, the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms, and one or more components in the embodiments can be selectively combined or replaced and used within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure.
[0041] Furthermore, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of this disclosure may be interpreted as having the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and commonly used terms (such as terms defined in a dictionary) may be interpreted taking into account their contextual meaning in the relevant field.
[0042] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure.
[0043] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular may also include the plural, and the description of "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C" may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.
[0044] In addition, when describing the components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", "(b)" may be used.
[0045] These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.
[0046] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another component, it can include not only cases where the component is directly connected, joined, or engaged to the other component, but also cases where the component is “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” through another component between the component and the other component.
[0047] Furthermore, when a component is described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" another component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Additionally, the expression "above or below" can include meanings based on a component that refer not only to the upward direction but also to the downward direction.
[0048] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0049] Reference Figure 1 According to the embodiment, the lens alignment device 1000 includes a projector 100, a first fixing unit 200 and a second fixing unit 300, and the projector 100 may include a laser unit 110, an optical unit 120 and a diffraction unit 130.
[0050] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram of a lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the lens alignment device 1000 includes a projector 100 that projects a dot pattern, a first fixing unit 200 that fixes a lens 10, and a second fixing unit 300 that fixes a sensor 20. The projector 100 projects a dot pattern such that the dot pattern passes through the lens 10 and reaches the sensor 20. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 to align the lens 10 and the sensor 20 such that the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20 is minimized.
[0052] The lens alignment device 1000 according to the embodiment may include a projector 100 with a projection dot pattern.
[0053] Projector 100 can project a dot pattern. Projector 100 can output an optical signal, generate a dot pattern by outputting the optical signal, and project the generated dot pattern. Projector 100 can project the dot pattern onto lens 10, so that the dot pattern passes through lens 10. Projector 100 can make the dot pattern pass through lens 10, so that the dot pattern reaches sensor 20. Projector 100 can make the dot pattern reach sensor 20, so that sensor 20 can sense the dot pattern. Projector 100 enables sensor 20 to sense the dot pattern passing through lens 10, and aligns lens 10 and sensor 20 based on the sensed dot pattern. Projector 100 may include a laser unit, an optical unit, and a diffraction unit.
[0054] The lens alignment device 1000 according to the embodiment may include a first fixing unit 200 for fixing the lens 10.
[0055] The first fixing unit 200 can fix the lens 10. The first fixing unit 200 can fix the lens 10 by surrounding the side surface of the lens 10. The first fixing unit 200 can fix the lens 10 and move the lens 10. The first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 in at least six directions. The first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 in a first direction, the direction from which the dot pattern is projected from the projector 100. The first direction can be a direction perpendicular to the incident surface of the dot pattern on the lens 10. The first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 up and down along the first direction. The first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 upward in a second direction or a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second and third directions can be perpendicular to the first direction, and the second and third directions can be perpendicular to each other. The first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 upward in the second direction or a third direction, or move the lens 10 upward simultaneously in the second direction and a third direction. The second and third directions can be directions parallel to the incident surface of the dot pattern on the lens 10. The first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 left and right upward in the second direction or a third direction. The first fixing unit 200 can tilt the lens 10. The first fixing unit 200 can tilt the lens 10 so that the lens 10 is set perpendicular to the first direction of incidence of the dot pattern. The first fixing unit 200 can rotate and tilt the lens 10 by changing its left and right height with reference to the center of the lens 10.
[0056] The lens alignment device 1000 according to the embodiment may include a second fixing unit 300 for fixing the sensor 20.
[0057] The second fixing unit 300 can fix the sensor 20. The second fixing unit 300 can fix the sensor 20 by surrounding the side surface of the sensor 20. The second fixing unit 300 can fix and move the sensor 20. The second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 in at least six directions. The second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 in a first direction, the direction from which the dot pattern is projected from the projector 100. The first direction can be a direction perpendicular to the incident surface of the dot pattern on the sensor 20. The second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 up and down along the first direction. The second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 upward in a second direction or a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second and third directions can be perpendicular to the first direction, and the second and third directions can be perpendicular to each other. The second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 upward in the second direction or a third direction, or move the sensor upward in both the second direction and a third direction simultaneously. The second and third directions can be directions parallel to the incident surface of the dot pattern on the sensor 20. The second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 left and right upward in the second direction or a third direction. The second fixing unit 300 can tilt the sensor 20. The second fixing unit 300 can tilt the sensor 20 so that the sensor 20 is positioned perpendicular to the first direction in which the dot pattern is incident. The second fixing unit 300 can rotate and tilt the sensor 20 by changing its left and right height relative to the center of the sensor 20.
[0058] According to the embodiment, at least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 of the lens alignment device 1000 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 to align the lens 10 and the sensor 20, thereby minimizing the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20.
[0059] The lens alignment device 1000 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 to align the lens 10 and the sensor 20. The lens alignment device 1000 can move one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20, or move both the lens 10 and the sensor 20 simultaneously, to align the lens 10 and the sensor 20. Moving the lens 10 or the sensor 20 can include moving the position of the lens 10 or the sensor 20, or tilting the lens 10 or the sensor 20. A first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10, or a second fixing unit can move the sensor 20.
[0060] At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20. The lens 10 allows the dot pattern projected by the projector 100 to pass through it and reach the sensor 20. The lens 10 can change the path of the dot pattern so that the dot pattern can reach the sensor 20. The sensor 20 can sense the dot pattern. The sensor 20 can measure the dot size of the dot pattern. When the lens 10 and the sensor 20 are most precisely aligned, the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20 can be minimized. When the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20 is minimized, the sensor 20 can be aligned and set to be closest to the focal length of the lens 10. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can align the lens 10 and the sensor 20 by moving at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20. Because the lens 10 and sensor 20 can be aligned using a projected dot pattern, a separate alignment chart is unnecessary, and the size of the device can be reduced. Furthermore, since multiple projectors 100 can be arranged in a single device to project a dot pattern, device integration is possible. Moreover, since the dot density in the dot pattern can be adjusted, information with higher resolution can be obtained.
[0061] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 of the lens alignment device 1000 moves at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 in a first direction, which may be a direction parallel to the direction of the projection point pattern from the projector 100.
[0062] At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 in a first direction parallel to the direction from which the dot pattern is projected from the projector 100. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 up and down along the direction from which the dot pattern is projected from the projector 100. The first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 in the first direction, or the second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 in the first direction. Alternatively, the first fixing unit 200 can move the lens 10 in the first direction while the second fixing unit 300 can move the sensor 20 in the first direction. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 in a first direction parallel to the direction from which the dot pattern is projected from the projector 100, such that the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20 is minimized. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can fix the lens 10 and the sensor 20 at a position that minimizes the dot size of the dot pattern.
[0063] According to the embodiment, at least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 of the lens alignment device 1000 moves at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 upward in a second direction or a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, so that the lens 10 and the sensor 20 are aligned along the same optical axis, and the second direction and the third direction can be directions perpendicular to the direction of the projection point pattern of the projector 100.
[0064] At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 upward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the projection point pattern of the projector 100, or in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 upward in the second direction or in the third direction, either left or right. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 upward simultaneously in both the second direction and in the third direction. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 to align the lens 10 and the sensor 20 along the same optical axis. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can move the lens 10 and the sensor 20 upward in a second direction or a third direction, thereby minimizing the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can fix the lens 10 and the sensor 20 at a position that minimizes the dot size of the dot pattern.
[0065] According to the embodiment, at least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 of the lens alignment device 1000 can tilt at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20.
[0066] At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can rotate and tilt at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 about a central axis. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can rotate at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 along an axis passing through the center of the lens 10 or the sensor 20, thereby tilting the lens 10 and the sensor 20. The axis passing through the center of the lens 10 or the sensor 20 may pass through the center of the lens 10 or the sensor 20 and may include an axis in a direction parallel to the incident surface of the lens 10 or the sensor 20 to which the dot pattern is incident. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can tilt at least one of the lens 10 and the sensor 20 such that the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor 20 is minimized. At least one of the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 can fix the lens 10 and the sensor 20 at an angle that minimizes the dot size of the dot pattern.
[0067] According to the embodiment, the first fixing unit 200 and the second fixing unit 300 of the lens alignment device 1000 can repeatedly move the lens 10 and the sensor 20 upward in a first direction, a second direction or a third direction, or tilt the lens 10 and the sensor 20, and the execution order of the process can be unrestricted.
[0068] According to the embodiment, the dot pattern projection area of the projector 100 of the lens alignment device can be smaller than the area of the upper surface of the lens 10 and the area of the upper surface of the sensor 20.
[0069] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram of the projector of the lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0070] refer to Figure 3 The projector 100 of the lens alignment device according to the embodiment may include a laser unit 110 that outputs an optical signal, an optical unit 120 that changes the path of the optical signal to form collimated light, and a diffraction unit 130 that allows the collimated light to pass through to form a dot pattern.
[0071] Laser unit 110 can output and project an optical signal. Laser unit 110 can output an optical signal and project it onto optical unit 120. Laser unit 110 may include a laser. Laser unit 110 can project an optical signal in a first direction. Laser unit 110 may be configured to be spaced a certain distance from optical unit 120 in the first direction.
[0072] Optical unit 120 can change the path of an optical signal to form collimated light. Optical unit 120 can change the path of an optical signal projected by laser unit 110. Optical unit 120 can be disposed between laser unit 110 and diffraction unit 130. Optical unit 120 can be configured to be spaced apart from laser unit 110 or diffraction unit 130 by a predetermined gap in a first direction. Optical unit 120 may include multiple lens groups. Multiple lens groups can change the path of an optical signal to form collimated light. Optical unit 120 can form collimated light and direct the collimated light to diffraction unit 130.
[0073] The diffraction unit 130 allows collimated light to pass through and form a dot pattern. The diffraction unit 130 can diffract an optical signal. When collimated light passes through the diffraction unit 130, the collimated light can be diffracted and replicated into a dot pattern including multiple circular patterns. The dot pattern generated by passing through the diffraction unit 130 can be projected externally. The dot pattern generated by passing through the diffraction unit 130 can be projected externally along a first direction. The diffraction unit 130 can be configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from the optical unit 120 in the first direction. The diffraction unit 130 may include diffractive optical elements.
[0074] According to an embodiment, the optical unit 120 of the lens alignment device includes a first lens group to a third lens group. The first lens group disperses the light signal into collimated light, the second lens group focuses the parallel dispersed light signal, and the third lens group can make the focused light signal parallel again.
[0075] The first to third lens groups may each include at least one lens. The first to third lens groups may each include at least one convex or concave lens. The light signal projected from the laser unit 110 can sequentially pass through the first to third lens groups. The light signal can be dispersed by passing through the first lens group and forming collimated light with a constant width. The light signal passing through the first lens group can be focused by passing through the second lens group. The light signal focused by passing through the second lens group can be focused at a focal point, and after being focused at the focal point, it can be dispersed again. The light signal dispersed by the second lens group can pass through the third lens group to re-form collimated light. The light signal that has passed through the second lens group, been focused at the focal point, and then dispersed again can be dispersed with a wider width, and the light signal dispersed with a wider width can pass through the third lens group to form collimated light with a wider width. The width of the collimated light formed by the third lens group can be wider than the width of the collimated light formed by the first lens group. The light signal can sequentially pass through the first to third lens groups to form collimated light with a wider width. By forming a collimated beam with a wider width, the collimated beam can be projected onto the entire field of view of a wider sensor.
[0076] Figure 4 This is an image showing a dot pattern of a lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0077] Figure 5 This is an image showing the variation in the size of the dot pattern of the lens alignment device according to an embodiment.
[0078] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to the embodiment, the diffraction unit 130 of the lens alignment device diffracts the collimated light and replicates the collimated light into a plurality of circular patterns, and the dot pattern can be a pattern in which the plurality of circular patterns are arranged repeatedly at regular intervals.
[0079] The diffraction unit 130 can diffract collimated light and replicate it into multiple circular patterns. A dot pattern can be a pattern in which multiple circular patterns are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals. The diffraction unit 130 can replicate the dot pattern and form a high-density circular pattern over a wider range. The diffraction unit 130 can form a high-density circular pattern to obtain high-resolution information. There are no limitations on the method by which the circular patterns are repeatedly arranged. The patterning method for repeating the circular patterns can vary depending on the lens, sensor, or optical signal.
[0080] The gaps between the multiple circular patterns of the lens alignment device according to the embodiment can be the same, regardless of the distance between the projector and the sensor.
[0081] The gaps between the multiple circular patterns of the dot pattern projected by the projector can be identical, regardless of the distance between the projector and the sensor. When the projector projects the dot pattern onto the sensor, the dot pattern can be projected so that it remains constant and independent of distance. The projector can project the dot pattern in the form of collimated light, so that the gaps between the circular patterns can remain constant, regardless of the distance from the sensor. Since the gaps between the circular patterns of the dot pattern are constant, the gap between the projector and the sensor can be reduced. The size of the lens alignment device can be reduced by reducing the gap between the projector and the sensor. Furthermore, even if the aforementioned distance varies depending on the lens and the sensor, the dot pattern can be projected consistently to align the lens and the sensor, and the lens alignment device can be modified to be independent of distance.
[0082] Reference Figure 5 The lens alignment device according to the embodiment can align the lens and the sensor so that the dot size of the dot pattern measured on the lens is minimized.
[0083] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a lens alignment method according to an embodiment.
[0084] Reference Figure 6 The lens alignment method S1000 according to the embodiment may include: step S1100, sequentially arranging a projector, a lens, and a sensor in a first direction from which a dot pattern is projected from the projector; step S1200, tilting the sensor and the lens about a second direction perpendicular to the first direction as an axis; step S1300, moving the lens in the first direction to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor; and step S1400, moving the lens in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction or a fourth direction perpendicular to both the first and third directions to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor.
[0085] In the lens alignment method S1000 according to the embodiment, the steps of tilting the sensor and the lens about a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, S1200, moving the lens in the first direction to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor, and S1400, moving the lens in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction or a fourth direction perpendicular to both the first and third directions to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor, can be repeated.
[0086] The lens alignment method S1000 according to the embodiment may further include a step S1500 of fixing the lens and the sensor.
[0087] The step of fixing the lens and sensor S1500 may include the step of dispensing epoxy resin after aligning the lens and sensor.
[0088] The lens alignment method S1000 according to the embodiment may further include a step S1600 of ultraviolet curing the fixed lens and sensor.
[0089] Step S1600, which involves UV curing the fixed lens and sensor, may include a step of UV curing the lens and sensor after dispensing the epoxy resin.
[0090] The projector of the lens alignment method S1000 according to the embodiment may include a laser unit that outputs an optical signal, an optical unit that changes the path of the optical signal to form collimated light, and a diffraction unit that allows the collimated light to pass through to form a dot pattern.
[0091] According to the embodiment, the lens alignment method S1000's diffraction unit diffracts the collimated light and replicates the collimated light into a plurality of circular patterns, and the dot pattern can be a pattern in which the plurality of circular patterns are repeated at regular intervals.
[0092] Although the foregoing has been described with reference to embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not illustrated above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Differences associated with such modifications and applications should be interpreted as including within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A lens alignment device, comprising: A projector configured to project a dot pattern; A first fixing unit, configured to fix the lens; as well as The second fixing unit is configured to fix the sensor. The projector projects the dot pattern such that the dot pattern passes through the lens and reaches the sensor. At least one of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit moves at least one of the lens and the sensor to align the lens and the sensor such that the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor is minimized.
2. The lens alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, The projector includes a laser unit that outputs an optical signal, an optical unit that changes the path of the optical signal to form collimated light, and a diffraction unit that allows the collimated light to pass through to form the dot pattern.
3. The lens alignment device according to claim 2, wherein, The optical unit includes a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group. The first lens group disperses the optical signal into collimated light. The second lens group focuses the parallel, dispersed light signals, and The third lens group once again parallelizes the focused light signal.
4. The lens alignment device according to claim 2, wherein, The diffraction unit causes the collimated light to diffract and replicates the collimated light into multiple circular patterns, and The dot pattern is a pattern in which multiple circular patterns are repeated at regular intervals.
5. The lens alignment device according to claim 4, wherein, The gaps between the plurality of circular patterns are the same, and are independent of the distance between the projector and the sensor.
6. The lens alignment device according to claim 4, wherein, The diffraction unit includes diffractive optical elements.
7. The lens alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit moves at least one of the lens and the sensor in a first direction, and The first direction is parallel to the direction from which the dot pattern is projected from the projector.
8. The lens alignment device according to claim 7, wherein, At least one of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit moves at least one of the lens and the sensor upward in a second direction or a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, so that the lens and the sensor are aligned along the same optical axis, and The second direction and the third direction are directions perpendicular to the direction in which the projector projects the dot pattern.
9. The lens alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, The projection area of the dot pattern of the projector is smaller than the area of the upper surface of the lens and the area of the upper surface of the sensor.
10. A lens alignment method, comprising: The projector, lens, and sensor are arranged sequentially in a first direction from the projection point pattern of the projector; The sensor and the lens are tilted about a second direction perpendicular to the first direction as an axis; The lens is moved in the first direction to minimize the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor; as well as The lens is moved in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction or in a fourth direction perpendicular to both the first and third directions, so that the dot size of the dot pattern measured by the sensor is minimized.