Typical Camera focusing solutions
The commonly used setup for camera focusing is based on an illuminated target, which is positioned at the designated distance from the camera. The patterns in the target typically consist of fine features, such as Ronchi ruling, Spoke or other targets. Patterns in the industry vary by shapes and sizes, and they are never one-size-fits-all.
Drawbacks and pitfalls
The drawbacks in such solutions are numerous, for instance you can’t focus a camera to a distance larger than box height or available office space, and you can’t check the sharpness of a high-FOV camera across the complete FOV at once.
The greatest drawback is that typically a technician has to judge the image sharpness, by looking at fine details on a display. This is known as an unsuitable method for production, which requires repeatability, traceability, speed, automation, and more.
…One day, the cameras’ performance dramatically improved
A production line station of large imagers had two technicians assembling and focusing long-range cameras. It was well known that optical performance depended on who was working on that day, as the sharpness judgement of the two guys was different. One day, the cameras’ performance suddenly “improved”. The reason was simply that the display in the assembly room had been upgraded.
How LiveFOCUS software works
Optical Operation
Target projection tubes are aimed at objective entrance pupil.
Testing at two FOV regions, as follows.
Consult Engage Photonics regarding your objective. Contact us.
Focusing to large distances
What if my camera is to be focused to 100m
LiveFOCUS solution comes with target projection tubes which are calibrated to project the focusing target to a selected distance:
- Object at infinity or large distance
- Object at close distance
- Virtual object
Virtual objects are useful for applications like retinal imaging systems.