Active alignment for cameras in mobile devices and automotive applications

Abstract

The use of cameras within mobile devices such as cellular phones as well as for automotive and other applications, is spurring innovations in pixel density, lens quality and power usage. As the performance of the camera modules improves, the requirements for more accurate assembly techniques increase as well. Within the production process, joining methods as well as manufacturing machines have to fit together. A new technological solution was therefore created that advances the accuracy of this alignment process of camera modules and results in increased performance and yield Traditional Methods for Camera Module AssemblyCamera modules consist of two primary components: a CMOS camera sensor on a circuit board and an optically aligned and attached lens barrel assembly. Traditionally the manufacturing process inserts a threaded lens barrel into the camera housing, with the operator threading the lens barrel into the housing while monitoring the camera image on a video screen to align the lens for optimal image quality. With this type of design, the manufacturer only performs alignment of the lens assembly to the sensor in one dimension-along the optical (z) axis. For new generations of camera modules, alignment of the other two linear and additional two rotational axes becomes critical. Achieving a sharp image over the full plane of the sensor and throughout the full range of zoom capability requires accurate alignment of the lens to the sensor in not just one, but five degrees of freedom. This technology becomes essential as both camera-module resolutions and end customer expectations of image quality increase.

An Enhancement and Detection Method for a Glue Dispensing Image Based on the CycleGAN Model

“…AA (active alignment) focusing is one of the key technologies that affects the imaging quality of a camera in the assembly process of an on-board camera [1]. In the AA focusing process, the relative position between the lens and the front cover with the image sensor is in a completely free state.…”