New computer vision applications are obtaining maximum image quality by combining high resolution, low-flare lenses with large format, high resolution global shutter sensors. Applications such as mobile mapping, UAV based inspection of power lines or facilities, and advanced automotive ADAS systems now require large field of view, high N.A. optics coupled with high resolution, high dynamic range CMOS sensors. To achieve maximum quality from a lens/sensor module, and produce these units efficiently and consistently, the use of automated active aligning machines is becoming more and more common.
Current CMOS global shutter sensors balance high resolution and high dynamic range by combining large pixel dimensions of 3.45 microns, which is a Nyquist frequency of 145 lp/mm. Manufacturing cost-effective lenses that consistently achieve high MTF (>40%) at this Nyquist frequency is a challenge. Even as manufacturers make these high performance large format lenses available, it is easy to forfeit the benefits of high MTF when the lens/sensor alignment tolerances are not optimal.