Camera Alignment Using Guiding Holes and Mounting Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiple-camera systems, misalignment between cameras leads to reduced field-of-view, incorrect distance measurements, and increased manufacturing time and costs due to the need for sophisticated software calibration and expensive alignment tools.
Innovation Solution
The use of camera modules with guiding holes and mounting posts on a common chassis allows for precise alignment through chemical etching processes, ensuring high precision and secure attachment, thereby maintaining accurate camera positioning during manufacturing and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then camera alignment can be achieved, but manufacturing time and costs increase due to sophisticated software calibration and expensive alignment tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming guiding holes in the substrate and pre-positioning mounting posts on the chassis before camera module assembly. This allows cameras to be automatically guided into precise alignment positions during assembly, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-assembly software calibration and expensive alignment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guiding holes and mounting posts as intermediary mechanical features that mediate between the chassis and camera modules. These intermediaries provide precise alignment through physical guidance, replacing sophisticated software calibration systems and expensive alignment tools while reducing manufacturing time.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then camera alignment can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to expensive alignment tools and software calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical features (guiding holes and mounting posts) made from standard substrate and chassis materials. These replace expensive alignment tools and software calibration systems, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while achieving precise camera alignment through basic mechanical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces sophisticated software calibration systems and expensive alignment tools with simple mechanical guidance features. The guiding holes and mounting posts provide alignment through pure mechanical means, eliminating the need for complex computational calibration and expensive equipment.
3Ease of operation
If cameras are mounted without guiding features, then assembly is simple, but alignment precision is reduced leading to incorrect distance measurements and reduced field-of-view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment function into distinct mechanical features: guiding holes in the substrate and mounting posts on the chassis. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific alignment function independently, maintaining assembly simplicity while achieving high alignment precision through the coordinated interaction of these segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding holes and mounting posts serve as intermediary mechanical elements that mediate between simple assembly operations and precise camera alignment. These intermediaries enable accurate positioning without complicating the assembly process, as the alignment function is embedded in the mechanical features rather than requiring complex assembly procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables reliable and precise alignment of camera modules, reducing manufacturing time and costs while ensuring a complete 360° panoramic view without the need for expensive alignment tools, and maintaining camera alignment during handling and use.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate is formed with a plurality of guiding holes using chemical etching processes
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are manufacturing methods and camera system designs that provide precise alignment between multiple camera modules mounted on a common chassis. The chassis includes a plurality of mounting regions, with each mounting region including one or more mounting posts. Each camera module includes one or more guiding holes into which the mounting posts are inserted. By precisely positioning the guiding holes and the mounting posts, the alignment of the camera modules with the chassis and the other camera modules may be controlled with high precision.