Motorized optical component interface systems and methods

Various techniques are provided for interfacing motorized and non-motorized optical assemblies with imaging systems. In one example, a method includes receiving an optical assembly at a lens mount assembly of an imaging system. The method also includes receiving a rotation of the optical assembly from a first position to a second position to secure the optical assembly to the lens mount assembly. The rotation causes one or more electrical connections of the lens mount assembly to translate toward and engage with one or more complementary electrical connections of the optical assembly to couple an electrical component of the optical assembly with the imaging system. Additional methods and systems are also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to infrared imaging and, more particularly, to infrared imaging systems with motorized optical component interfaces.

BACKGROUND

Infrared imaging systems provide for the measurement of temperatures of rapid thermal events and fast-moving targets, making such imaging systems an ideal choice for industrial, military, and manufacturing research and design applications. These infrared imaging systems offer the flexibility of both manual and remote-focus optical component options to maximize the number of measurement pixels on the object of interest.

Unfortunately, due to the fixed nature of the optical components, such infrared imaging systems may not be easily used with other optical components, such as different lenses or filters. Indeed, attempting to some different types of optical components with older infrared imaging system interfaces may cause electrical issues, thus rendering the infrared imaging system unusable.

SUMMARY

Various techniques are disclosed to provide an optical component interface that is configured to operate with both motorized and non-motorized optical components without causing electrical issues. For example, a mechanism within a lens mount assembly of an infrared imaging system provides for extension of an optical component electrical interface when a motorized lens is utilized, while allowing the optical component electrical interface to remain in the retracted position when a non-motorized lens interface is used.

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an optical assembly at a lens mount assembly of an imaging system; receiving a rotation of the optical assembly from a first position to a second position to secure the optical assembly to the lens mount assembly; and wherein the rotation causes one or more electrical connections of the lens mount assembly to translate toward and engage with one or more complementary electrical connections of the optical assembly to couple an electrical component of the optical assembly with the imaging system.

In another embodiment, a system includes an imaging system comprising a lens mount assembly; an optical assembly configured to be received by the lens mount assembly; wherein the optical assembly is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position to secure the optical assembly to the lens mount assembly; and wherein the rotation causes one or more electrical connections of the lens mount assembly to translate toward and engage with one or more complementary electrical connections of the optical assembly to couple an electrical component of the optical assembly with the imaging system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced using one or more embodiments. In one or more instances, structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. One or more embodiments of the subject disclosure are illustrated by and/or described in connection with one or more figures and are set forth in the claims.

In one or more embodiments, optical systems and methods are provided. In some aspects, such systems and methods may be used for infrared imaging, such as thermal infrared imaging. Such imaging (e.g., infrared imaging) may be used for various applications, such as functional safety and vehicular (e.g., automotive) applications. In one embodiment, an optical assembly is received at a lens mount assembly of an imaging system. When a user rotates the optical assembly from a first position to a second position to secure the optical assembly to the lens mount assembly, the rotation causes one or more electrical connections of the lens mount assembly to translate toward and engage with one or more complementary electrical connections of the optical assembly to couple an electrical component of the optical assembly with the imaging system.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1Aillustrates a block diagram of imaging system100with lens mount assembly130and detached optical assembly190andFIG.1Billustrates a block diagram of imaging system100with lens mount assembly130and attached optical assembly190, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

As shown, imaging system100comprises an optical assembly190, lens mount assembly130, housing102(e.g., a camera body), logic device110, machine readable medium113, memory120, display140, controls150, communication interface152, other sensors160, and other components180. In various embodiments, imaging system100may be implemented, for example, as a camera system such as a portable handheld camera system, a small form factor camera system implemented as part of another device, a fixed camera system, and/or other appropriate implementations.

Lens mount assembly130provides mechanical mechanisms for mounting optical assembly109and electrical mechanisms, i.e., motorized lens electrical interface135, for controlling the movement of optical assembly190responsive to optical assembly190being a motorized lens and including its own electrical mechanisms, i.e., motorized lens electrical interface195. Accordingly, optical assembly190may be selectively attached to and detached from imaging system100via lens mount assembly130. In various embodiments, optical assembly190may comprise one or more optical elements (e.g., one or more lenses, filters, transmissive windows, and/or other optical components) that receive infrared radiation179from scene170, which are then passed to be captured by imager132.

Imager132may include an array of sensors (e.g., any type of infrared, visible light, or other types of detectors) for capturing image frames of scene170. In some embodiments, imager132may also include one or more analog-to-digital converters for converting analog signals captured by the sensors into digital data (e.g., pixel values) to provide the captured image frames. Imager interface136provides the captured image frames to logic device110which may be used to process the image frames, store the original and/or processed image frames in memory120, and/or retrieve stored image frames from memory120.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, there are two main types of optical assemblies190, i.e., non-motorized optical assemblies and motorized optical assemblies. The following description focuses on the operation provided by lens mount assembly130when optical assembly190is a motorized optical assembly that comprises one or more lenses191and motor192(e.g., for ease of illustration, not shown to scale). Motor192may be a focus motor and/or a zoom motor. In order to actuate a motorized lens electrical connection provided by lens mount assembly130, a motorized optical assembly190comprises a motorized lens interface tab.FIG.2illustrates one exemplary view of optical assembly190with motorized lens interface tab205and alignment/locking tabs210in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.2further illustrates motorized lens electrical interface195corresponding to motorized lens electrical interface195ofFIGS.1A and1B. In order to for lens mount assembly130to receive motorized lens interface tab205, lens mount assembly130comprises a motorized lens interface notch.FIG.3illustrates one exemplary view of imaging system100with lens mount assembly130, lens mount assembly130comprising motorized lens interface notch305in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. As is illustrated inFIG.3, motorized lens interface notch305is within bayonet member310of lens mount assembly130.FIG.3further illustrates motorized lens electrical interface135corresponding to motorized lens electrical interface135ofFIGS.1A and1B. A member, as used in conjunction with bayonet member310as well as other members described hereafter, may be implemented as a partial or complete ring as shown in some embodiments.

When optical assembly190is received into lens mount assembly130, using a set of alignment/locking notches in bayonet310, motorized lens interface tab205passes through motorized lens interface notch305and engages a lifter member of lens mount assembly130. Thus, when optical assembly190is rotated by a user in a direction to a locked position, the motorized lens interface tab205actuates an extend/retract mechanism within lens mount assembly130such that one or more electrical connections within motorized lens electrical interface135of lens mount assembly130translate toward and engage one or more complementary electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190.

FIGS.4-10illustrate various components of lens mount assembly130in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. As is illustrated inFIG.4, an exploded view of lens mount assembly130depicts lens mount assembly130comprising bayonet member310and bayonet spring member405, retainer member410, connector member415, and lifter member420, all of which fit within spacer425which is coupled to imaging system100.FIG.5illustrates bayonet member310that comprises alignment/locking notches505, motorized lens interface notch305, and openings510for the electrical pins of motorized lens electrical interface135in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. When optical assembly190is received into lens mount assembly130, alignment/locking notches505are provided for engaging a plurality of alignment tabs210of optical assembly190. Additionally, when optical assembly190is received into lens mount assembly130, using alignment/locking notches505in bayonet310, motorized lens interface tab205passes through motorized lens interface notch305and engages a lifter member of lens mount assembly130.FIG.6illustrates bayonet spring member405which provides resistance, via spring mechanisms605, for the insertion of optical assembly190into lens mount assembly130so that optical assembly109mounts snugly within lens mount assembly130in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS.7A and7Billustrate retainer member410that resists the movement of connector member415when lifter member420bears upon connector member415in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.7Aillustrates a front face of retainer member410and comprises slot705in which motorized lens interface tab205, when inserted through motorized lens interface notch305, moves when optical assembly190is rotated by the user. Once in slot705, motorized lens interface tab205couples to a receiver of lifter member420, which causes lifter member420to rotate thereby bearing upon connector member415.FIG.7Aadditionally illustrates opening710that allows for motorized lens electrical interface135on connector member415to translate when lifter member420bears upon connector member415.FIG.7Billustrates a rear face of retainer member410and comprises indentions715in which one side of a set of springs (not shown) positioned between retainer member410and connector member415reside.

FIGS.8A and8Billustrate connector member415that translates in directions perpendicular to the rotation of lifter member420in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.8Aillustrates a front face of connector member415and comprises motorized lens electrical interface135that provides one or more electrical connections to one or more complementary electrical connections in motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190. That is, when motorized lens interface tab205couples to a receiver of lifter member420and optical assembly190is rotated to a locked position by the user, connector member415translates in a direction away from imaging system100and one or more electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface135couples to one or more complementary electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190. Similarly, when motorized lens interface tab205coupled to the receiver of lifter member420is rotated to an unlocked position due to the rotation of optical assembly190by the user, connector member415translates in a direction toward imaging system100and one or more electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface135decouple from the complementary one or more electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190. Also illustrated inFIG.8Aare indentions805in which another side of the set of springs (not shown) positioned between retainer member410and connector member415reside.

FIG.8Billustrates a rear face of connector member415in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.8Billustrates a set of connector member ramp structures810that act in conjunction with a set of lifter member ramp structures on lifter member420. That is, when motorized lens interface tab205couples to a receiver of lifter member420and the user rotates optical assembly190to a locked position, the set of lifter member ramp structures on lifter member420bear upon a set of connector member ramp structures810thereby translating connector member415in a direction away from imaging system100. Connector member415translates in a smooth motion due to the compression of the set of springs (not shown) positioned between retainer member410and connector member415and extends motorized lens electrical interface135outward such that the one or more electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface135couple to the one or more complementary electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190.

FIG.9illustrates a front face of lifter member420in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Lifter member420comprises receiver905and the set of lifter member ramp structures910. When optical assembly190is received into lens mount assembly130, motorized lens interface tab205passes through motorized lens interface notch305of bayonet member310and couples to receiver905of lifter member420. Then, when optical assembly190is rotated by a user in a direction to a locked position, the motorized lens interface tab205/receiver905coupling causes the set of lifter member ramp structures910to bear upon the set of connector member ramp structures810of connector member415thereby translating connector member415in a direction away from imaging system100. When optical assembly190is rotated by the user in a direction to an unlocked position, the motorized lens interface tab205/receiver905coupling causes the set of lifter member ramp structures910to stifle against the set of connector member ramp structures810of connector member415thereby translating connector member415in a direction toward imaging system100.FIG.10illustrates spacer425in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Spacer425provides a space such that bayonet spring member405, retainer member410, connector member415, and lifter member420fit in the space when coupled to imaging system100. Bayonet310couples to the face of spacer425.

FIGS.11A and11Billustrates one example of connector member415in a retracted position (FIG.11A) and an extended position (FIG.11B) in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. InFIG.11A, connector member415is in a retracted position illustrated by gap1105because lifter member420has not be rotated so as to bear upon connector member415thereby causing the one or more electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface135on connector member415to translate in a direction away from imaging system100so as couple to one or more complementary electrical connections of the optical assembly. InFIG.11B, lifter member420has been rotated so as to bear upon connector member415thereby causing the one or more electrical connections1110of motorized lens electrical interface135on connector member415to translate in a direction away from imaging system100thereby allowing the one or more electrical connections1110of motorized lens electrical interface135to couple to the one or more complementary electrical connections of the motorized lens electrical interface of the optical assembly.FIG.12illustrates an imaging system100with an optical assembly190attached to lens mount assembly130in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

Returning toFIGS.1A and1B, logic device110may include, for example, a microprocessor, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device configured to perform processing operations, a digital signal processing (DSP) device, one or more memories for storing executable instructions (e.g., software, firmware, or other instructions), and/or any other appropriate combinations of devices and/or memory to perform any of the various operations described herein. Logic device110is configured to interface and communicate with the various components of imaging system100to perform various method and processing steps described herein. In various embodiments, processing instructions may be integrated in software and/or hardware as part of logic device110, or code (e.g., software and/or configuration data) which may be stored in memory120and/or a machine readable medium113. In various embodiments, the instructions stored in memory120and/or machine readable medium113permit logic device110to perform the various operations discussed herein and/or control various components of system100for such operations.

Memory120may include one or more memory devices (e.g., one or more memories) to store data and information. The one or more memory devices may include various types of memory including volatile and non-volatile memory devices, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Read-Only Memory), flash memory, fixed memory, removable memory, and/or other types of memory.

Machine readable medium113(e.g., a memory, a hard drive, a compact disk, a digital video disk, or a flash memory) may be a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions for execution by logic device110. In various embodiments, machine readable medium113may be included as part of imaging system100and/or separate from imaging system100, with stored instructions provided to imaging system100by coupling the machine readable medium113to imaging system100and/or by imaging system100downloading (e.g., via a wired or wireless link) the instructions from the machine readable medium (e.g., containing the non-transitory information).

Logic device110may be configured to process captured image frames and provide them to display140for viewing by a user. Display140may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and/or other types of displays as appropriate to display image frames and/or information to a user of system100. Logic device110may be configured to display image frames and information on display140. For example, logic device110may be configured to retrieve image frames and information from memory120and provide image frames and information to display140for presentation to a user of system100. Display140may include display electronics, which may be utilized by logic device110to display such image frames and information.

Controls150may include any desired type of user input and/or interface device having one or more user actuated components, such as one or more buttons, slide bars, knobs, keyboards, joysticks, and/or other types of controls that are configured to generate one or more user actuated input control signals. In some embodiments, controls150may be integrated with display140as a touchscreen to operate as both controls150and display140. Logic device110may be configured to sense control input signals from controls150and respond to sensed control input signals received therefrom. In some embodiments, portions of display140and/or controls150may be implemented by appropriate portions of a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and/or other types of devices.

In various embodiments, controls150may be configured to include one or more other user-activated mechanisms to provide various other control operations of imaging system100, such as auto-focus, menu enable and selection, field of view (FoV), brightness, contrast, gain, offset, spatial, temporal, and/or various other features and/or parameters.

Logic device110may be configured to receive and pass image frames from optical assembly190, lens mount assembly130, additional data from sensors160, and control signal information from controls150to one or more external devices through communication interface152(e.g., through wired and/or wireless communications). In this regard, communication interface152may be implemented to provide wired communication over a cable and/or wireless communication over an antenna. For example, communication interface152may include one or more wired or wireless communication components, such as an Ethernet connection, a wireless local area network (WLAN) component based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, a wireless broadband component, mobile cellular component, a wireless satellite component, or various other types of wireless communication components including radio frequency (RF), microwave frequency (MWF), and/or infrared frequency (IRF) components configured for communication with a network. As such, communication interface152may include an antenna coupled thereto for wireless communication purposes. In other embodiments, the communication interface152may be configured to interface with a DSL (e.g., Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) modem, an Ethernet device, and/or various other types of wired and/or wireless network communication devices configured for communication with a network.

In some embodiments, a network may be implemented as a single network or a combination of multiple networks. For example, in various embodiments, the network may include the Internet and/or one or more intranets, landline networks, wireless networks, and/or other appropriate types of communication networks. In another example, the network may include a wireless telecommunications network (e.g., cellular phone network) configured to communicate with other communication networks, such as the Internet. As such, in various embodiments, imaging system100and/or its individual associated components may be associated with a particular network link such as for example a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and/or a mobile phone number.

Imaging system100may include various other components180such as speakers, displays, visual indicators (e.g., recording indicators), vibration actuators, a battery or other power supply (e.g., rechargeable or otherwise), and/or additional components as appropriate for particular implementations.

Although various features of imaging system100are illustrated together inFIGS.1A and1B, any of the various illustrated components and subcomponents may be implemented in a distributed manner and used remotely from each other as appropriate.

FIG.13illustrates a process of attaching a motorized optical assembly190to imaging system100in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In block1302, optical assembly190is initially in a detached state relative to imaging system100in the manner illustrated inFIG.1A.

In block1304, optical assembly190is positioned in proximity to lens mount assembly130. In various embodiments, a user and/or a machine may manipulate optical assembly190to perform the operation of block1304. For example, optical assembly190may be positioned in proximity to lens mount assembly130such that motorized lens interface tab205of optical assembly190passes through motorized lens interface notch305of bayonet310and couples to receiver905of lifter member420. In various embodiments, a user and/or a machine may manipulate optical assembly190to perform the operation of block1304.

In block1306, motion is imparted to optical assembly190to begin attaching optical assembly190to lens mount assembly130. For example, a user and/or a machine may begin rotating optical assembly190in a direction such that the motorized lens interface tab205/receiver905coupling causes lifter member420to rotate in a first direction, e.g., clockwise. For example, any appropriate type of rotational motion, linear motion, pressure, and/or other forces may be used in various embodiments.

In block1308, the rotational motion of optical assembly190(e.g., begun in block1306) causes the set of lifter member ramp structures910of lifter member420to bear upon the set of connector member ramp structures810of connector member415. For example, as shown inFIGS.11A and11B, the rotation of lifter member420causes the set of lifter member ramp structures910of lifter member420to contact and bear upon the set of connector member ramp structures810of connector member415.

In block1310, due to the set of lifter member ramp structures910of lifter member420bearing upon the set of connector member ramp structures810of connector member415, connector member415translates in the direction away from imaging system100, which extends motorized lens electrical interface135of connector member415outward such that the one or more electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface135couple to the one or more complementary electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190.

In block1312, imaging system100is operated with optical assembly190in place such that an electrical component, i.e., a focus motor and/or a zoom motor, coupled to motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190operates based on instructions provided by logic device110of imaging system100. For example, block1312may include the selective operation of motor192to select a portion of scene170and the capturing of images of the selected portion of scene170by imager132.

FIG.14illustrates a process of detaching a motorized optical assembly190from imaging system100in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In block1402, optical assembly190is initially in an attached state relative to imaging system100in the manner illustrated inFIG.1B(e.g., following the process ofFIG.13discussed herein).

In block1404, motion is imparted to optical assembly190to begin detaching optical assembly190from lens mount assembly130. For example, a user and/or a machine may begin rotating optical assembly190in a direction such that the motorized lens interface tab205/receiver905coupling causes lifter member420to rotate in a second direction, i.e., counterclockwise. For example, any appropriate type of rotational motion, linear motion, pressure, and/or other forces may be used in various embodiments.

In block1406, the motion of optical assembly190(e.g., begun in block1406) causes the set of lifter member ramp structures910of lifter member420to stifle against the set of connector member ramp structures810of connector member415.

As a result, in block1408, due to the set of lifter member ramp structures910of lifter member420stifling against the set of connector member ramp structures810of connector member415, connector member415translates in the direction toward imaging system100, which retracts motorized lens electrical interface135of connector member415inward such that the one or more electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface135decouple from the one or more complementary electrical connections of motorized lens electrical interface195of optical assembly190.

In block1410, optical assembly rotates to a removal position. In block1412, optical assembly190is positioned away from lens mount assembly130such that optical assembly is fully detached from lens mount assembly130. Following the process ofFIG.14, the process ofFIG.13or15may be performed to attach the same or different optical assembly190as desired to support different uses of imaging system100as desired.

FIG.15illustrates a process of attaching a non-motorized optical assembly190to imaging system100in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In block1502, optical assembly190is initially in a detached state relative to imaging system100in the manner illustrated inFIG.1A.

In block1504, optical assembly190is positioned in proximity to lens mount assembly130. In various embodiments, a user and/or a machine may manipulate optical assembly190to perform the operation of block1304. For example, optical assembly190may be positioned in proximity to lens mount assembly130such that one or more alignment tabs210of optical assembly190passes through one or more alignment notches505of bayonet310. In various embodiments, a user and/or a machine may manipulate optical assembly190to perform the operation of block1304.

In block1506, motion is imparted to optical assembly190to begin attaching optical assembly190to lens mount assembly130. For example, a user and/or a machine may begin rotating optical assembly190in a direction that causes the one or more alignment tabs210to rotate in a first direction, e.g., clockwise, to a locked position. For example, any appropriate type of rotational motion, linear motion, pressure, and/or other forces may be used in various embodiments.

In block1508, imaging system100is operated with optical assembly190in place based on instructions provided by logic device110of imaging system100. For example, block1508may include the capturing of images of scene170by imager132.

FIG.16illustrates a process of detaching a non-motorized optical assembly190from imaging system100in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

In block1602, optical assembly190is initially in an attached state relative to imaging system100in the manner illustrated inFIG.1B(e.g., following the process ofFIG.15discussed herein).

In block1604, motion is imparted to optical assembly190to begin detaching optical assembly190from lens mount assembly130. For example, a user and/or a machine may begin rotating optical assembly190in a direction such that the one or more alignment tabs210rotate in a second direction, i.e., counterclockwise. For example, any appropriate type of rotational motion, linear motion, pressure, and/or other forces may be used in various embodiments.

In block1606, optical assembly rotates to a removal position. In block1608, optical assembly190is positioned away from lens mount assembly130such that optical assembly is fully detached from lens mount assembly130. Following the process ofFIG.16, the process of eitherFIG.13or15may be performed to attach the same or different optical assembly190as desired to support different uses of imaging system100as desired.