Camera Lens Adapter Assembly for Precise Focus and Tilt Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera calibration methods struggle to achieve precise adjustments in both focus and tilt, particularly for wide-angle lenses, and are prone to de-calibration during transport and use.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a first and second engagement part, connected to the camera lens and sensor respectively, allows for precise alignment and adjustment using adjustment screws and springs, ensuring the focal plane and image plane are aligned, with a pivot point centered on the camera sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spring-loaded adjustment screws are used to adjust focus and tilt, then the camera lens can be adjusted in relation to the camera sensor, but it is difficult to achieve precise calibration for both focus and tilt simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into three independent adjustment screws, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom (one for focus distance, two for tilt angles). This segmentation allows precise control of each parameter independently, resolving the difficulty of simultaneous precise calibration for both focus and tilt.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment screws are designed to be manually adjustable, allowing dynamic modification of the camera lens position and angle during calibration. This enables precise calibration by iteratively adjusting each screw while observing calibration results, rather than relying on fixed positions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment screws are used to achieve precise focus and tilt calibration, then calibration precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three adjustment screws serve multiple functions: they collectively control focus distance and tilt angles, and also provide mechanical support for the camera lens. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment screws are configured to engage with spherical or curved surfaces on the camera lens mounting structure. This spherical geometry allows for smooth, multi-directional adjustment with minimal binding, simplifying the adjustment mechanism while enabling precise control of both focus and tilt parameters.
3Measurement precision
If the camera lens is made adjustable to allow calibration, then calibration precision improves, but the reliability of the camera device during transport decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera lens is pre-calibrated during manufacturing using the three adjustment screws, and then the screws are locked in place. This preliminary calibration action eliminates the need for frequent adjustments during transport, maintaining reliability while achieving precise calibration. The adjustment mechanism is designed to be stable once set, resisting accidental displacement during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure includes cushioning elements such as rubber dampers or shock-absorbing materials between the camera lens and the adjustment screw contact points. This beforehand cushioning protects the precise adjustment from being disturbed by transport vibrations and shocks, maintaining both calibration precision and transport reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A camera device includes a lens and a sensor. The lens is adjustable in relation to the sensor. The camera device is associated with an axial, radial and angular direction, and a central axis running through the lens and the sensor. The camera device comprises a spring axially pressing the lens towards the sensor, and adjustment screws defining a respective minimum axial distance between the lens and the sensor at adjustment points. The adjustment points are radially displaced from the central axis and angularly distributed around the central axis. The camera device further comprises engagement parts that mutually engage with each other. A first engagement part is rigidly connected to the lens and a second engagement part is rigidly connected to the sensor. The engagement parts allow the first and second engagement parts to slide axially, and rotate spherically in relation to each other, but not other movement.