Reflective Elements Align Lens Module Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera module alignment processes require large test charts and distances, leading to increased apparatus size and space requirements, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using reflective elements to direct a single region of interest from a test chart to multiple positions on the image sensor, allowing for alignment analysis with smaller test charts and distances, reducing the apparatus size and space needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If larger test distances and larger test charts are used to accommodate wider field of view requirements, then the alignment accuracy for wide FOV camera modules is improved, but the apparatus size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective element holder assembly that adds a spatial dimension to the optical path. By positioning reflective elements at specific angles and locations, the system redirects light from a single ROI to multiple positions on the image sensor, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to achieve multiple measurement functions within a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective element holder assembly serves multiple functions: it directs light to create virtual images at different positions, enables assessment of multiple field points simultaneously, and maintains compatibility with existing image analysis algorithms. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to handle wide FOV requirements without proportionally increasing size.
2Area of moving object
If a single region of interest is used with reflective elements to create multiple virtual images, then the test chart size is reduced, but the optical path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective elements act as intermediaries between the single ROI and the image sensor. These elements redirect and position light rays to create virtual images at multiple locations, effectively mediating the optical interaction without requiring a physically larger test chart. The holder assembly provides a structured framework for positioning these intermediary reflective elements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple positions on the image sensor are used for alignment assessment, then the alignment precision is improved, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective elements create virtual copies of the ROI at different positions on the image sensor. Instead of physically placing multiple ROIs or using a complex multi-camera system, the apparatus uses optical reflection to generate multiple image copies from a single physical ROI, thereby achieving multi-position assessment with simpler hardware.
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
This solution enables more cost-effective camera module assembly by reducing the apparatus size and maintaining compatibility with existing image analysis algorithms, while allowing assessment of larger distances for improved alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of reflective elements are positioned to form second optical paths by reflection from the region of interest to respective second positions on the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for aligning a lens module with an image sensor to form a camera module includes a chart holder, a positioning unit and a reflective elements holder assembly. In use, the chart holder holds a test chart having a region of interest (ROI), the positioning unit holds the lens module and the image sensor, and the reflective elements holder assembly holds multiple reflective elements between the chart holder and the positioning unit. A first optical path from the ROI is directed to a first position on the image sensor. Second optical paths from the ROI are reflected by the reflective elements to respective second positions on the image sensor, the second positions being spaced from the first position. The images captured by the image sensor (arising from the aforementioned optical paths) are analysed and the positioning unit aligns the lens module with the image sensor based on such analysis.