Nested Optical Sensor Mounting for Parallax Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal imaging cameras lack efficient methods for reducing parallax error and integrating advanced features, relying on cumbersome manual alignment and costly automatic adjustment mechanisms, and they do not effectively utilize the capabilities of consumer devices for enhanced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor camera system with a first optical sensor having a focus mechanism and a second optical sensor mounted inside, allowing for reduced parallax error and an expandable architecture that leverages consumer device capabilities via USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth connections to provide enhanced thermography functions, processing, and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used for multi-sensor camera systems, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to parallax error
Solution Approach 1:
The second optical sensor is mounted inside the focus mechanism of the first optical sensor, nesting one sensor within the other's optical path. This eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms while minimizing radial distance between optical axes, thereby reducing parallax error without adding device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The focus mechanism of the first optical sensor serves as an intermediary structure that also houses the second optical sensor. This intermediary structure enables precise alignment of both sensors while maintaining a compact design, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision
2Measurement precision
If automatic adjustment mechanisms are used to reduce parallax error, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves parallax error reduction through its inherent geometric configuration rather than requiring active adjustment mechanisms. The mounting arrangement itself provides the alignment function, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control systems that would otherwise be required for automatic adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active mechanisms to correct parallax error after the fact, the design inverts the approach by preventing parallax error at the source through careful geometric arrangement of the optical sensors during manufacturing
3Reliability
If thermal imaging cameras integrate all processing and display functions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between the thermal imaging camera (data acquisition and processing) and the consumer device (display and advanced processing). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The camera leverages the consumer device's existing capabilities (display, processing, connectivity) for multi-functional operation. This universal approach allows the same camera to work with different consumer devices, reducing the need for dedicated components in the camera itself
4Ease of manufacture
If radial distance between optical axes is increased, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased parallax error
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the critical parameter from radial distance between optical axes to axial distance along the optical path. By mounting the second sensor inside the focus mechanism rather than beside it, the system achieves minimal effective baseline while maintaining straightforward manufacturing procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-sensor camera system includes a first optical sensor having a focus mechanism. The focus of the first optical sensor is adjusted using the focus mechanism. The multi-sensor camera system also includes a second optical sensor mounted inside the focus mechanism of the first optical sensor. The radial distance between optical axes of the first and second optical sensors is not limited by the focus mechanism.