Object Simulation Unit for Camera Flange Focal Length Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the flange focal length of camera objectives and camera systems are either limited in distance measurement range, expensive, complex, or require separate measurement of the camera and objective flange focal lengths, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in focusing.
Innovation Solution
An object simulation unit with a light exit surface and a coupling device that generates light beams simulating virtual objects at various distances, allowing for the evaluation of focus and flange focal length determination in a compact and cost-effective manner, using a light beam generation device that can produce multiple light beams with adjustable angles and spacings to appear as if originating from virtual objects outside the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If test projectors are used to check distance scale or flange focal length, then distance measurement can be performed, but the distance measurement range is limited and only the objective's flange focal length is tested, not the camera's
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light beam generation device to create virtual light sources that simulate real objects at various distances. Instead of using physical test objects or projectors, the system generates optical copies (virtual images) of light sources at predetermined distances, allowing the objective to be tested as if real objects were present at those distances. This resolves the limitation of physical test setups by creating virtual test objects that can be positioned anywhere along the optical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam generation device acts as an intermediary between the actual light source and the objective under test. It receives light from a physical source and transforms it into virtual light beams that appear to originate from virtual objects at specific distances. This intermediary device enables the system to test the objective's focusing accuracy across multiple distances without requiring physical objects at those distances, thereby expanding measurement versatility.
2Measurement precision
If collimator-based units are used to measure flange focal length, then measurement can be performed, but only objectives focused to infinity can be tested and the camera's flange focal length must be measured separately
Solution Approach 1:
The light beam generation device is designed to be adjustable, allowing the virtual light sources to be positioned at various distances along the optical axis. Instead of being fixed at infinity like traditional collimators, the system can dynamically change the virtual object distance to match the objective's focusing range. This enables testing of objectives at any focus distance, not just infinity, thereby improving adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If MTF units are used to determine flange focal length, then measurement can be performed, but the units are very large, expensive and complex with high demands on environment, operation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for flange focal length measurement from complex MTF testing systems. Instead of using full-featured MTF units with multiple lenses, sensors, and complex mechanics, the invention uses a simplified light beam generation device that creates virtual light sources and relies on the camera's own image sensor and processing to evaluate focus accuracy. This extraction of the core measurement function dramatically reduces system complexity, size, and cost while maintaining measurement capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the flange focal length of the camera and objective are checked and set separately, then each component can be optimized, but errors can occur and inaccuracies result in focusing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the testing of the camera body and objective into a single integrated measurement process. The light beam generation device creates virtual objects that pass through the objective and are captured by the camera's image sensor. This allows simultaneous measurement of both the objective's focusing accuracy and the camera's flange focal length in one setup, ensuring that both components work together correctly and eliminating the errors that arise from separate adjustments.
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 simple, inexpensive, and accurate determination of the flange focal length and focal position of camera objectives and camera systems, improving focusing accuracy and reducing errors by simulating virtual objects at various distances and angles, allowing for precise evaluation of focus and correction of distance settings.
Implementation Method 1
a light beam generation device which has at least one light source and which is adapted to generate at least one light beam
Implementation Method 2
a coupling device which is adapted to couple the front side of the object simulation unit to a light entry side of a camera objective
Data Source
AI summary
An object simulation unit for testing a camera objective has an optical axis and has a front side with respect to the optical axis at one side. The object simulation unit comprises a light exit surface at the front side of the object simulation unit, a coupling device that is adapted to couple the front side of the objection simulation unit to a light entry side of a camera objective, and a light beam generation device that has at least one light source and that is adapted to generate at least one light beam that passes through the light exit surface such that the at least one light beam apparently starts from a virtual object located at a distance from the light exit surface that is larger than the distance between the light beam generation device and the light exit surface. A diagnostic system may comprise such an object simulation unit.