Optical Module Alignment Using Reference Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning optical components, such as OIS modules and image sensor modules in portable devices, often result in alignment errors due to unsuitable apparatus assumptions about the orientation and arrangement of these components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a test image and reference optical paths to sequentially align the image sensor module and optical module, where a test image is projected along reference paths, allowing for correction of alignment orientations and subsequent fixing of the modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional alignment apparatus is used with assumptions about optical path orientation, then alignment process is simplified, but alignment precision deteriorates due to unsuitable assumptions for certain imaging modules
Solution Approach 1:
A reference optical element is introduced as an intermediary component to establish a known reference optical path between the optical module and image sensor module. This mediator enables precise alignment by providing a traceable optical reference that both modules can be aligned against, eliminating the need for apparatus assumptions about their relative orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent alignment of optical module and image sensor module is performed, then each component can be aligned separately, but alignment complexity increases due to difficulty in coordinating their relative positions
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is segmented into distinct phases: first aligning the optical module to the reference optical element, then aligning the image sensor module to the same reference element. This segmentation allows each module to be independently aligned to a common reference, simplifying the coordination of their relative positions while maintaining independent alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference optical element is positioned and configured in advance before the actual module alignment process. This preliminary action establishes a stable reference framework that guides subsequent alignment operations, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple independent alignment operations.
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
Ensures accurate optical alignment between the image sensor and optical modules, overcoming the challenges of independent alignment and complex physical arrangements, thereby improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting the test image with the reference optical element along a second reference optical path
Data Source
AI summary
To align an optical module to an image sensor module comprising at least an image sensor, a test image is received with a reference optical element along a first reference optical path, before reflecting the test image along a second reference optical path with the reference optical element towards the image sensor module. An alignment orientation of the image sensor module is first corrected with respect to the reference optical element in order to receive the test image over the second reference optical path onto the image sensor. The reference optical element is subsequently replaced with the optical module. Next, an orientation of the optical module is manipulated such that the second optical path coincides with the second reference optical path so as to optically align the optical module with the image sensor module, before the optical module is finally attached to the image sensor module.