Patent ID: 6512587
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for determining whether an imager assembly outside of a camera body meets predetermined focus specifications, wherein the imager assembly includes an image sensor and a camera mounting plate having reference features adapted to cooperate with alignment features in the camera body to locate the image sensor at a predetermined focal plane, comprising the steps of:i. Mounting the imager assembly onto an imager mounting apparatus having equivalent alignment features; ii. Utilizing low-coherence light interferometry to determine whether the image sensor will meet predetermined focus specifications when mounted in a camera body wherein: (1) The camera mounting plate includes a plurality of alignment pins and the imager mounting apparatus includes holes for receiving the alignment pins, and further comprising the steps of: (a) Locating the alignment pins in the holes; (b) Placing the camera mounting plate in intimate contact with the alignment features on the imager mounting apparatus; (c) Placing a clamp table assembly, comprising a plurality of standoffs each with its own standoff alignment pin in intimate contact with the camera mounting plate, such that the standoff alignment pins are coincident with a plurality of camera mounting holes in the camera mounting plate; and (d) Clamping the clamp table assembly to distribute a load and to hold said camera mounting plate in intimate contact with the equivalent alignment features.