Lens Alignment for Capsule Camera Using Metric Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule cameras with multiple lens sets and image sensor arrays face challenges in accurately aligning these components to achieve optimal image quality, particularly due to manufacturing variability and the need for precise alignment in multiple degrees of freedom to capture a 360° panoramic view.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of test images to capture multiple images by pixel arrays, deriving metric measurements, and iteratively adjusting lens alignment based on these measurements to minimize alignment errors across various degrees of freedom, including translational and rotational adjustments, until image quality is optimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple lens sets and image sensor arrays are used to capture 360° panoramic views, then the field of view is improved, but the alignment precision between lens module and image sensor device deteriorates due to manufacturing variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing lens alignment adjustments before final capsule assembly. Test images are captured and metric measurements are derived to guide iterative alignment adjustments of the lens module relative to the image sensor device. This pre-alignment process ensures optimal positioning is achieved before the capsule is sealed, preventing alignment errors that would be difficult to correct afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through an iterative alignment process where test images are captured, metric measurements are derived from these images, and lens alignment adjustments are made based on the measurements. This closed-loop feedback system continues until alignment errors are minimized, ensuring precise positioning of multiple lens sets and image sensor arrays despite manufacturing tolerances.
2Manufacturing precision
If iterative alignment adjustments are performed to minimize alignment errors, then the image quality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the alignment system to perform self-diagnosis and self-adjustment. Test images are captured through the lens module and image sensor device, metric measurements are automatically derived from these images, and alignment adjustments are made based on the measured errors. This self-service alignment process reduces the need for complex external alignment equipment and skilled manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with an optical-metric feedback system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision and manual adjustment mechanisms, the system uses captured test images, derives metric measurements, and guides alignment adjustments through optical feedback. This substitution simplifies the mechanical complexity while achieving high alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of aligning a lens module with respect to an image sensor device for a capsule camera are disclosed. The image sensor device comprises multiple pixel arrays and the lens module comprises multiple lens sets to form multiple images corresponding to multiple fields of view associated with the multiple lens sets, and each lens set forms one image for one corresponding pixel array associated with one field of view. A method according to the present invention present invention, one or more test images are presented in the multiple fields of view associated with the lens module. Multiple images in the multiple fields of view are captured using the multiple pixel arrays. Metric measurement is derived based on the multiple images captured by the multiple pixel arrays. Lens alignment between the lens module and the image sensor device is then adjusted based on the metric measurement.