APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A MODULATION TRANSFER FUNCTION AND CENTERING OF AN OPTICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (2) for detecting imaging quality of an optical system (4) with at least one lens (6) or lens group. The apparatus (2) includes an MTF measuring apparatus (10) for measuring a modulation transfer function at a plurality of field points in the field of view of the optical system (4), and a centering measuring apparatus (18) for measuring a centered state of the optical system (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for detecting imaging quality of an optical system (4) having such a apparatus (2).

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting imaging quality of an optical system with at least one lens or lens group, comprising: an MTF measuring apparatus configured to measure a modulation transfer function at a plurality of field points in an imaging field of the optical system, wherein the MTF measuring apparatus is configured to perform a plurality of off-axis MTF measurements; and a centering measuring apparatus configured to measure a centered state of the optical system that is arranged on-axis.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a centering apparatus configured to actively center the at least one lens or lens group.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises an autocollimator, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to measure a center of curvature of at least one optical surface of the optical system in reflection, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a rotatable seat configured to rotate the optical system about a centering axis (A).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises an autocollimator, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to measure a center of curvature of at least one optical surface of the optical system in reflection, and wherein the autocollimator is rotatably seated in a holder and the autocollimator is rotatable as a whole about a centering axis (A).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises an autocollimator, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to measure a center of curvature of at least one optical surface of the optical system in reflection, and wherein the autocollimator comprises a focusing optical system configured to shift a focal point.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises an autocollimator, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to measure a center of curvature of at least one optical surface of the optical system in reflection, wherein the autocollimator comprises a focusing optical system, and wherein the focusing optical system, or parts thereof, are rotatable about a centering axis (A).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises an autocollimator, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to measure a center of curvature of at least one optical surface of the optical system in reflection, further comprising an inverting reflective prism, wherein said inverting reflective prism is arranged in a beam path between the autocollimator and the optical system, and wherein said inverting reflective prism is rotatable about the centering axis (A).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises an autocollimator, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to measure a center of curvature of at least one optical surface of the optical system in reflection, and wherein the autocollimator is configured to simultaneously measure centers of curvature of a plurality of optical surfaces of the optical system.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image sensor is arranged in an image plane (B) of the optical system, wherein the apparatus further comprises a processing unit configured to read out the image sensor, wherein the MTF measuring apparatus comprises at least one graticule on which a test pattern is provided, wherein the optical system images the test pattern on the image sensor, and wherein the processing unit is configured to evaluate associated image data from the image sensor of the optical system to determine the modulation transfer function.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a graticule is arranged in an image plane (B) of the optical system on which there is a test pattern, wherein the optical system images the test pattern, and the MTF measuring apparatus is configured to evaluate an image of the test pattern to measure the modulation transfer function of the optical system.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the graticule comprises a pinhole aperture that constitutes a point light source in the image plane (B) of the optical system, and wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises a wave front sensor that is configured to detect a wave front of an image of the point light source from the optical system.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the centering measuring apparatus comprises an image sensor, wherein the optical system directly images the test pattern on the image sensor, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to evaluate a center of curvature of an optical surface of the optical system using the image of the test pattern, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a rotatable additional seat configured to rotate the optical system about a centering axis (A).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image sensor or the graticule is movably seated along an optical axis of the optical system.

14. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the centering measuring apparatus is configured to measure in a first step data relating to a first centered state of a first optical element of the optical system (4), optionally to actively center the first optical element based on the data relating to the first centered state, and wherein the centering measuring apparatus is furthermore configured to then measure in a second step data relating to a second centered state of a second optical element of the optical system and then, based on the data relating to the first centered state and/or the data relating to the second centered state, to actively center the first optical element and the second optical element relative to each other, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a mechanical feed for the second optical element by means of which the second optical element is addable to the optical system after detection of the centered state of the first optical element.

15. A method for detecting imaging quality of an optical system comprising at least one lens or lens group with an apparatus according to claim 1, the method comprising: determining a centered state of the optical system with the centering measuring apparatus; centering the optical system based on data on the centered state determined in the determining step; and performing a modulation transfer function of the optical system using the MTF measuring apparatus at a plurality of field points in a field of view of the optical system.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein in a first step, a first centered state of a first center of curvature of a first optical surface of a first optical element (36) of the optical system is measured with the measuring apparatus, optionally the first optical element is centered based on data relating to first centered state, then a second centered state of a second center of curvature of a second optical surface of a second optical element of the optical system is measured with the measuring apparatus, and then based on the data relating to the first centered state and/or data relating to the second centered state, the first optical element and the second optical element are centered relative to each other, and wherein the second optical element is added to the optical system after detection of the first centered state of the first optical element.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein a tilt of an image plane (B) of the optical system is determined based on data of the modulation transfer function ascertained with the MTF measuring apparatus at a plurality of field points of the optical system, wherein the optical system is aligned based on data relating to the tilt of the image plane (B) of the optical system such that the image plane (B) is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to a centering axis (A), and wherein at least one centered state is then measured again with the centering measuring apparatus to obtain centering measuring data, and the optical system is centered based using the centering measuring data.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein after a centering process, (i) the modulation transfer function of the optical system is determined with the MTF measuring apparatus, (ii) then a position of an optical element is changed slightly and then the modulation transfer function of the optical system is again determined with the MTF measuring apparatus, and wherein steps (i) and (ii) are repeated iteratively until the modulation transfer function assumes a local maximum value.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The invention is described below, without restricting the general idea of the invention, based on exemplary embodiments in reference to the drawings, wherein we expressly refer to the drawings with regard to all details according to the invention that are not explained in greater detail in the text. In the following:

[0063] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for detecting imaging quality of an optical system in a schematic simplified side view,

[0064] FIG. 2 shows another apparatus for detecting imaging quality of an optical system that comprises an image sensor, and

[0065] FIGS. 3a) and 3b) show representations of individual exemplary method steps of a method for detecting imaging quality of an optical system comprising a lens group, wherein centering of the lenses of the lens group is performed.

[0066] In the drawings, the same or similar types of elements and/or parts are provided with the same reference numbers so that a re-introduction is omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a schematically simplified side view of an apparatus 2 for detecting imaging quality of an optical system 4. For example, the apparatus 2 is configured to test and/or optimize a plurality of optical systems 4 with regard to their imaging quality, of which only a few are provided with reference signs for reasons of clarity. The optical systems 4 moreover comprise e.g. only a single optical element, i.e., a lens 6. The apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 is only provided for example for a mass test of optical systems 4. For this purpose, the optical systems 4 such as camera objectives are seated on a carrier 8 that, as indicated with arrows, can be moved on a plane. Accordingly, the individual optical systems 4 can be checked sequentially in rapid sequence.

[0068] The apparatus 2 comprises an MTF measuring apparatus 10 that for example comprises the two measuring apparatus 10a and 10b arranged off-axis. The MTF measuring apparatus 10 is configured to detect a modulation transfer function at a plurality of field points in the field of view of the optical system 4. The measurement of the modulation transfer function at different field points in the field of view of the optical system 4 is already possible due to the off-axis arrangement of the individual MTF measuring apparatus 10a, 10b. In addition, an extended test pattern is used as a test pattern 12, such as the portrayed arrangement of crosses. This also causes the modulation transfer function to be detected at a plurality of different field points in the field of view of the optical system 4. The test pattern 12 is located on a graticule 14; it is for example etched thereinto. The graticule 14 can be illuminated by means of a light source 16 such as a lamp. The graticule 14 is arranged in an image plane B of the optical system 4. The distance identified with reference sign 24 is therefore the back focal length of the optical system 4. The MTF measuring apparatus 10 is configured to perform a plurality of off-axis MTF measurements.

[0069] The apparatus 2 also comprises a centering measuring apparatus 18 that for example is arranged on-axis. This means that the centering measuring apparatus 18 is arranged at least approximately on an axis A that corresponds to the desired centering axis of the optical system 4. For example, and highly exaggerated for reasons of better visualization, different centered states of the individual optical systems 4 are portrayed. Obviously, their optical axes do not yet correspond with the desired centering axis A. The centering measuring apparatus 18 serves to measure a centered state of the optical system 4.

[0070] With the assistance of the apparatus 2, both a modulation transfer function for characterizing the imaging quality of the optical system 4 can be advantageously recorded, and the centered state of the optical system 4 can also be identified. The imaging quality of the optical system 4 can accordingly be characterized by two measuring methods and measurands that e.g. are preferably detected simultaneously or in rapid sequence. For this reason, the apparatus 2, as indicated in FIG. 1, is particularly suitable for mass tests of optical systems 4.

[0071] Optical systems 4 that are frequently subjected to such mass tests are for example camera modules; correspondingly, the optical system 4 is for example camera modules.

[0072] The two MTF measuring apparatus 10a, 10b and the centering measuring apparatus 18 are for example arranged on a common dome that is not portrayed in FIG. 1. A particularly compact apparatus 2 can be presented by this arrangement.

[0073] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 2 for detecting imaging quality of an optical system 4 in which a graticule 14 is arranged in the image plane B of the optical system 4. A test pattern 12 is present on this graticule 14. The test pattern 12 consists of the crosses portrayed as an example. Furthermore, the graticule 14 comprises a pinhole aperture 30. The graticule 14 is illuminated by the light source 16, and the pinhole aperture 30 therefore forms a point light source in the image plane B. The optical system 4 images the point light source e.g. into infinity, wherein the arising wave front is detected by a wave front sensor 32, such as a Shack-Hartman sensor. The wave front sensor serves to detect a wave front of the imaging of the point light source by the optical system 4 that is formed in the image plane B by the pinhole aperture 30.

[0074] Alternately, in particular the centering measuring apparatus 18 comprises an image sensor (not portrayed), and the optical system 4 images the test pattern 12 directly on this image sensor. In this context, furthermore the apparatus 2 comprises e.g. an additional rotatable seat that is configured to rotate the optical system 4 about the centering axis A.

[0075] Furthermore, according to another exemplary embodiment, the image sensor and/or the graticule 14 is/are movably seated along the optical axis A of the optical system 4. Suitable movable holders are provided for this purpose.

[0076] The apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 for detecting the imaging quality of the optical system 4 works in transmitted light. Likewise, the centering measuring apparatus 18 is configured to work in reflection. To characterize the centered state of the optical system 4, a center of curvature of an optical surface of the optical system 4 is for example measured. For example, the center of curvature of the side of the lens 6 facing the centering measuring apparatus 18 is determined. A deviation of this center of curvature from the centering axis A indicates a value for the centered state of the optical system 4.

[0077] With such an apparatus 2, for example the entire centering measuring apparatus 18 can be rotated about the centering axis A. For this, the centering measuring apparatus 18 is seated in a rotatable seat. Likewise, such a centering measuring apparatus 18 comprises an autocollimator 20, wherein this autocollimator 20 is designed to be rotatable. The autocollimator 20 is for example rotatable as a whole about the centering axis A. Furthermore, the autocollimator 20 can comprise a focusing optical system 22, and this focusing optical system 22, or parts thereof, is/are rotatable about the desired centering axis A.

[0078] FIG. 2 shows another such apparatus 2 for detecting imaging quality of an optical system 4 that comprises for example a lens 6. The optical system 4 comprises an image sensor 26, for example, the optical system 4 is a camera module. The image sensor 26 is arranged in an image plane B of the optical system 4. The apparatus 2 furthermore comprises a processing unit 28 such as a computer or the like that is configured to read out the image sensor 26. The MTF measuring apparatus 10 that for example consists of the two MTF measuring apparatus 10a and 10b comprises at least one graticule 14. The MTF measuring apparatus 10a comprises a graticule 14a, the MTF measuring apparatus 10b comprises another graticule 14b, on which there is a test pattern 12 in each case. The test patterns 12 on the graticules 14a, 14b are each illuminated by a suitable light source 16a, 16b, and are imaged by the lens 6 on the image sensor 26 of the optical system 4. The processing unit 26 is configured to calculate a modulation transfer function of the lens 6 in different field points in the field of view of the lens 6 from the image data of the images from the graticules 14a, 14b detected by means of the image sensor 26.

[0079] Furthermore, an inverting reflective prism such as a dove prism is arranged in a beam path that is indicated in FIG. 2 between an autocollimator 20 and the optical system 4. This prism can for example rotate about the centering axis A. Moreover for example, the autocollimator 20 is configured to simultaneously determine a plurality of centers of curvature of a plurality of optical surfaces of an optical system 4. This is of interest for optical systems 4 that are made from a plurality of optical elements such as a plurality of lenses 6. With such an apparatus 2, a plurality of autocollimators are arranged next to each other, wherein their beam paths are for example coupled with each other by corresponding beam dividers.

[0080] The apparatus 4 according to one or more of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments is moreover used in a method for detecting imaging quality of an optical system 4. With such a method, a centering state of the optical system 4 is determined with the assistance of the centering measuring apparatus 18. Based on the data on the centering state of the optical system 4, the optical system 4 is then centered. For example, the data on the position of a center of curvature of at least one optical surface of at least one optical element, such as the lens 6, of the optical system 4 are determined. By using the deviation of the center of curvature from the centering axis A, the centered state of the optical system 4 can be inferred. Then a modulation transfer function of the optical system 4 is performed with the assistance of the MTF measuring apparatus 10 at a plurality of field points in the field of view of the optical system 4.

[0081] FIGS. 3a) and 3b) show for example two individual method steps of such a method. The optical system 4 comprises for example a first optical element 36 and a second optical element 40. The optical elements 36, 40 are for example a first lens 6a and a second lens 6b. The first optical element 36 comprises a first optical surface 34; the second optical element 40 comprises a second optical surface 42. For example, the centering of the two lenses 6a, 6b relative to each other will be explained with reference to the depicted figures.

[0082] In a first step, a first centering state of the first optical element 36 is detected with the assistance of the centering measuring apparatus 18. This is for example characterized by the position of a first center of curvature of the first optical surface 34. The position of an optical axis 38 of the first optical element 36 can for example be inferred from the position of this center of curvature. Based on this data, such as a deviation of the optical axis 38 from the centering axis A, a centering of the first optical element 36 is performed as indicated in FIG. 3a with a double arrow. Centering with reference to the centering axis A is accordingly carried out.

[0083] Then a second centering state of the second optical element 40 is ascertained with the centering measuring apparatus 18. Again, the centered state of the second optical element 40 can be inferred for example by using the position of a center of curvature of the second optical surface 42. With reference to a deviation of this second center of curvature from the centering axis A, the first and second optical element 36, 40 can then be centered relative to each other as indicated by the double arrow in FIG. 3b.

[0084] According to another exemplary embodiment, a tilt of the image plane B of the optical system 4 is inferred based on the data of the modulation transfer function ascertained by the MTF measuring apparatus 10 at a plurality of field points of the optical system 4. Based on the data on the tilt of the image plane B of the optical system 4, the optical elements of the optical system 4 such as its lenses 6a, 6b are aligned so that the image plane B is orientated at least approximately perpendicular to a centering axis A. Then for example at least one centered state of at least one optical element is measured again by the centering measuring apparatus 18, and the optical system 4 is centered based on this data.

[0085] According to another exemplary embodiment, a modulation transfer function of the optical system 4 is determined by the MTF measuring apparatus 10 after the centering process in a first step. Then in a second step, a position of an optical element such as a position of the lenses 6a, 6b is changed slightly, in particular stochastically. Then a modulation transfer function of the optical system 4 is again determined by the MTF measuring apparatus 10. The first step and the second to step are repeated iteratively until the modulation transfer function assumes a local maximum value; the optical imaging performance of the optical system 4 is therefore optimized.

[0086] All named features, including those taken from the drawings alone and individual features, which are disclosed in combination with other features, are considered alone and in combination as essential for the invention. Embodiments according to the invention can be fulfilled through individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features which are designated with in particular or preferably are to be understood as optional features.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

[0087] 2 Apparatus

[0088] 4 Optical system

[0089] 6 Lens

[0090] 8 Carrier

[0091] 10, 10a, 10b MTF measuring apparatus

[0092] 12 Test pattern

[0093] 14, 14a, 14b Graticule

[0094] 16, 16a, 16b Light source

[0095] 18 Centering measuring apparatus

[0096] 20 Autocollimator

[0097] 22 Focusing optical system

[0098] 24 Image distance

[0099] 26 Image sensor

[0100] 28 Processing unit

[0101] 30 Pinhole aperture

[0102] 32 Wavefront sensor

[0103] 34 First optical surface

[0104] 36 First optical element

[0105] 38 First optical axis

[0106] 40 Second optical element

[0107] 42 Second optical surface

[0108] A Centering axis

[0109] B Image plane