Camera Test Apparatus with Controllable Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing equipment for video cameras lacks standardized calibration, resulting in limited and unquantified performance evaluation, making it difficult for end users to select cameras based on certified performance parameters such as resolution, dynamic range, and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A camera testing apparatus comprising a frame assembly, control unit, and light sources that can be controlled to change operational parameters, allowing for quantitative measurement of camera performance characteristics like frame rate, veiling glare, and light sensitivity by analyzing images captured under varying light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standardized calibration is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a frame assembly with multiple independently controllable light sources, a control unit for managing test sequences, and a camera positioning system. Each module can be calibrated and adjusted independently, enabling standardized measurement procedures while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control and variation of light source parameters (intensity, wavelength, temporal characteristics) to perform standardized calibration procedures. By systematically changing these parameters according to predefined test sequences, the apparatus achieves measurement precision comparable to professional equipment while using commercially available components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different operational parameters are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly incorporates multiple light sources (including LEDs and lasers) that can be independently controlled to serve different testing functions. The control unit manages these diverse light sources through a unified interface, allowing the same hardware platform to perform various camera performance tests (spatial resolution, temporal resolution, sensitivity) without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each test type.
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
Enables accurate and consistent performance evaluation of video cameras, providing users with meaningful, quantified data to select suitable products, and facilitating calibration with off-the-shelf optical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first light sources coupled to the frame assembly and in communication with the control unit. Each of the plurality of first light sources is (or is adapted to be) in one of an illuminated first state or a non-illuminated second state
Data Source
AI summary
A camera testing apparatus includes a frame assembly, a control unit, and a plurality of first light sources and second light sources coupled to the frame assembly and in communication with the control unit. Each of the first and second light sources is in one of an illuminated first state or a non-illuminated second state, and each of the plurality of first and second light sources is adapted to be within a field of vision of a camera disposed remote from the first and second light sources. The control unit sends a first command to each of the first light sources to change a first operational parameter. The control unit sends a second command to a first one of the second light sources to illuminate at a first brightness and a third command to a second one of the second light sources to illuminate at a second brightness.