Error-based autofocus system using image feedback in a liquid-filled diaphragm lens

Soren J. Abdullah; Mani Maran Ratnam; Zahurin Samad

doi:10.1117/1.3275450

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1 December 2009 Error-based autofocus system using image feedback in a liquid-filled diaphragm lens

Soren J. Abdullah, Mani Maran Ratnam, Zahurin Samad

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Optical Engineering, 48(12), 123602 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3275450

Abstract

A liquid-filled diaphragm (LFD) lens system that uses image feedback for automatic focus control has been designed and developed. The edge slope width (ESW) of the pixel intensity profile across a binary target was selected as the focus measure parameter. An algorithm was developed to achieve single- and dual-direction autofocus control. An improved autofocus method, which is based on the error between the expected ESW value for a focused image and the ESW value for the current (unfocused) image, was introduced to improve the performance of the system. An empirical equation of the focus measure error was used to predict the number of autofocus operation steps required to approach a near-focus region. A stepper motor was used for actuating a syringe-driven pump mechanism that injects or withdraws fluid into (or out of) the fluid lens chamber. The lens diaphragm was made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer that covers the fluid chamber. A monochrome CCD camera was attached to the LFD lens to capture live images of the target. The autofocus experiments carried out using the new differential error-based algorithm proved the viability of the algorithm in determining the near-focus region. A maximum reduction of time operation was also recorded to be 40 s in comparison with the normal autofocus algorithm.

©(2009) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

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Soren J. Abdullah, Mani Maran Ratnam, and Zahurin Samad "Error-based autofocus system using image feedback in a liquid-filled diaphragm lens," Optical Engineering 48(12), 123602 (1 December 2009). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3275450

Published: 1 December 2009

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