Hybrid Zoom Optical Assembly for Variable Focal Length and Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision systems struggle to simultaneously control focal length and aperture value, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in various imaging configurations, especially when working distances vary.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid optical assembly combining mechanical and liquid lenses, controlled by a motor system and processor, allows for adjustable focal length and aperture value without hardware changes, using a combination of mechanical and liquid lens technologies to provide different imaging configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional machine vision systems use fixed optical components, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility in controlling focal length and aperture value is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed optical components with adjustable ones. Specifically, a motor-driven mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the lens assembly position relative to the image sensor to control focal length, while a liquid crystal variable focal length lens provides dynamic aperture value control. This transforms the static optical system into a dynamic one, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing an optical system that can perform multiple functions with a single integrated assembly. The lens assembly serves both as a focal length adjustment mechanism (through motor-driven positioning) and an aperture control mechanism (through liquid crystal variable focal length lens). This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to various imaging configurations without requiring separate components, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If hardware changes are made to adjust imaging parameters, then the control precision is high, but the time required for parameter adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing manual or mechanical hardware changes with automated control systems. A processor receives imaging parameter requests and automatically controls the motor-driven mechanism and liquid crystal variable focal length lens to adjust focal length and aperture value. This substitution of manual mechanical adjustment with automated electro-optical control achieves high precision while reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the control system with imaging parameter requirements. When an imaging task is specified, the processor automatically retrieves the appropriate parameters and initiates the adjustment process without waiting for manual intervention. This preliminary preparation of control sequences minimizes adjustment time while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single lens type is used, then the device complexity is low, but the zoom factor range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining two different lens technologies into a single integrated lens assembly. The system merges a motor-driven adjustable lens position mechanism with a liquid crystal variable focal length lens. This combination allows the system to achieve a wide zoom factor range by coordinating the position adjustments with the liquid crystal focal length changes, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
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 flexible control of focal length, aperture value, and imaging parameters such as field of view, amount of light, and depth of field, expanding the system's applicability to various working distances and scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens (e.g., a single liquid lens or a combination of liquid lenses) having an adjustable curvature
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly for a machine vision system having an image sensor includes a lens assembly and a motor system coupled to the lens assembly. The lens assembly can include a plurality of solid lens elements and a liquid lens, where the liquid lens includes an adjustable membrane. The motor system can be configured to move the lens assembly to adjust a distance between the lens assembly and the image sensor of the vision system.