Image Sensor Positioning via Image Quality Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging techniques struggle to accurately determine the optimal position of an image sensor for achieving good image quality due to manufacturing errors, operation errors, and temperature deviations, which cannot be adequately corrected by pre-stored lens information.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that includes a focus adjustment unit, image sensor movement control unit, focusing control unit, imaging control unit, and image evaluation unit to analyze image data at multiple sensor positions, determining the optimal sensor position for high image quality based on calculated image evaluation values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pre-stored lens information is used to control image sensor position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to cover deviations from unexpected design values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where image data is acquired at multiple sensor positions, evaluated to calculate image evaluation values, and used to determine the optimal sensor position. This closed-loop feedback system allows the camera to automatically adapt to actual optical conditions, compensating for manufacturing deviations without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images at multiple positions, evaluating image quality, and determining the optimal sensor position without external intervention. The system uses its own imaging resources (image sensor, processor) to perform the evaluation and adjustment, making the calibration process autonomous and eliminating the need for specialized calibration equipment or expert intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If image data analysis is performed at multiple sensor positions to determine optimal position, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to multiple positioning and capturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs partial action by capturing images at a limited number of discrete sensor positions (e.g., 3-5 positions) rather than continuously scanning the entire range. This sampling approach provides sufficient information to determine the optimal position while significantly reducing the time required compared to exhaustive measurement methods. The image evaluation unit efficiently processes only the necessary data points to identify the peak performance position.
3Measurement precision
If the image sensor is moved to multiple positions for evaluation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the object being positioned and the measurement instrument for evaluating image quality. The same sensor that captures the final image is used to evaluate images at different positions during calibration. This eliminates the need for separate measurement sensors or complex external testing equipment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an imaging apparatus, an imaging method, and a program that can directly determine a sensor position at which an image with good image quality is obtained from obtained image information. The imaging apparatus moves an image sensor to a plurality of sensor positions in the optical axis direction of an imaging lens, and focuses a subject at each of the plurality of sensor positions. Image data of the subject focused at each of the plurality of sensor positions is acquired, and the image data is analyzed to calculate an image evaluation value at each of the plurality of sensor positions.