Reconfigurable Camera Metrology Platform for Multi-Test Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical testing equipment for small aperture cameras requires multiple dedicated test stations, leading to increased equipment and maintenance costs, as well as significant space requirements due to the need for specific configurations for each type and configuration of camera system.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable camera metrology apparatus that can perform multiple tests on different types and configurations of small camera systems, featuring a common configurable platform with movable stages and interchangeable accessory devices, allowing for adjustable performance characteristics such as Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measurements and geometric imaging parameters across a wide range of object distances and field angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated test stations are used for different camera systems, then testing capability and precision are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test station with a reconfigurable optical platform that can accommodate multiple camera systems through interchangeable mounting fixtures and adjustable optical components. The platform includes standardized interfaces and programmable control that enable it to perform various optical tests on different camera configurations without requiring separate dedicated test stations for each camera type.
Solution Approach 2:
The test station incorporates dynamically adjustable optical components including movable mirrors, adjustable lenses, and reconfigurable illumination sources that can be programmed to match different camera specifications. The mounting fixtures allow dynamic reconfiguration of the optical path to accommodate varying camera parameters such as focal length, sensor size, and mounting geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated test stations are used for different camera systems, then testing capability is improved, but space requirements and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test station with a reconfigurable optical platform that can accommodate multiple camera systems through interchangeable mounting fixtures and adjustable optical components. The platform includes standardized interfaces and programmable control that enable it to perform various optical tests on different camera configurations without requiring separate dedicated test stations for each camera type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple testing functions into a single integrated platform by merging optical measurement systems, illumination sources, and data acquisition equipment into one cohesive test station. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate test stations while maintaining comprehensive testing capability across different camera systems.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated test stations with specific configurations are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes programmable control systems that allow dynamic adjustment of optical parameters such as illumination intensity, wavelength, and angular distribution to match specific camera requirements. The mounting fixtures incorporate adjustable parameters for positioning cameras at precise angles and distances, enabling high-precision measurements while maintaining a standardized platform configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The test station incorporates feedback mechanisms including reference measurements and calibration routines that automatically adjust optical alignment and measurement parameters to compensate for variations in camera configurations. This feedback control maintains measurement precision across different camera types without requiring manual reconfiguration of the entire test station.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera metrology apparatus including a base section, a drive section with independent drive axes, and an actuation platform having a camera mount, with a predetermined camera mount interface for a camera, and a camera stimulation source mount, with a predetermined stimulation source mount interface, and being coupled to one of the drive axes to generate relative motion between each interface effecting metrology measurement of the camera, wherein the actuation platform has a selectable configuration between different predetermined platform configurations, each with different predetermined mounting location characteristics changing a predetermined mounting location of the camera mount interface or stimulation source mount interface and effecting a different predetermined metrology measurement characteristic, and the camera mount and the camera stimulation source mount are arranged to define a repeatable relative position between the camera mount interface and stimulation source mount interface in each platform configuration and effect free selection between each platform configuration.