Umted States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`9
`9
`5 731 834
`
`Huot et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Mar. 24, 1998
`
`
`USO05731834A
`
`.............................. 348/335
`3/1988 Kobayashi
`7J1989 Bridges .........
`.. 348/374
`5/1989 Araghi et al.
`.
`437/209
`
`33;“ 6‘ 31-
`..
`g ...........
`347/42
`3/1992 Drake etal.
`...... 257/231
`3/1992 Cosijn ..... ..
`3/1994 Tsuji ..................................... 250/203.1
`
`
`
`4,734,778
`4,803,557
`4,830,985
`
`,
`,
`5,097,274
`5,140,150
`5,291,010
`
`Primary E.xaminer—Wendy Garber
`Attamey, Agent, or Firm—Christopher J. Fildes
`
`[54] REPLACEABLE CCD ARRAY AND METHOD
`op ASSEMBLY
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Robert Donald Huot, Pittsford; Rocco
`-
`,
`fi:‘“g}‘I‘“l°:1:tam‘_PC°]f’}‘°b.;’r1:nEdw“rd
`5 ‘?
`°“‘‘°
`’
`a" ‘*5 °
`M°1'““"Y~ R°°hCS‘“— 311 °f N-Y-
`
`[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester,
`N1
`
`[21] Appl- No: 486,306
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Jun‘ 7’ 1995
`[22] Filed:
`[51]
`Int. Cl.5 .................................................... H04N 3/14
`
`[52]
`__ 348/374. 343/340
`.
`[58] Field of Search .....................................
`
`‘
`
`[56]
`
`Rd-emnces Cited
`US. PPCFENT DOCUMENTS
`1/1979 Filipovich ............................... 343/335
`5/1983 Chen ..............
`.. 358/483
`6/1986 Shinborj et a1.
`........................ 348/374
`
`4,134,129
`4,385,325
`4,594,613
`
`A CCD array assembly for use in a scanner, includes a CCD
`array optically aligned relative to a CCD array nest and
`aflixed thereto to form a replaceable subassembly. The CCD
`array nest has an outwardly facing statically determinate or
`exactly Constraincd imerfaca mounting surface. A Carrier
`plate with the CCD array assembly removably attached
`thereto is optically aligned and aflixed to a barrel frame and
`lens assembly. The subassembly is removably attachable to
`the carrier plate allowing replacement of a failed CCD array
`“'“h°“t “dd‘“°”“1 ahgnment‘
`
`9 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`,_,_,/"i__2-_-
`
`
`
`Olympust et a. 1112
`1
`
`Olympust et a. 1112
`
`1
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`5,731,834
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`5,731,834
`
`12
`
`3
`
`

`
` Mar. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`5,731,834
`
`4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`5,731,834
`
`39
`
`5
`
`

`
`5,731,834
`
`1
`REPLACEABLE CCD ARRAY AND METHOD
`OF ASSEMBLY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to linear arrays in optical scanners
`and methods of assembly and more particularly to a CCD
`array assembly permitting the economical, precision
`replacement of the linear array in the assembly without
`additional alignment.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Conventional aligmnent of CCD arrays is done in a
`variety of ways depending on the application. In precise
`applications such as a photo CD scanner. an active alignment
`is required wherein the output of the CCD array is monitored
`while the location of the CCD array is adjusted. Once in the
`correct position,
`the CCD array is fixed in place. This
`approach produces very accurate results but is also time
`consuming and requires the scanner to be brought to a repair
`facility having very expensive fixtures for accomplishing
`any replacement of a failed CCD array.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides a CCD array assembly
`that makes it possible to economically replace a linear array
`in an optical system and maintain critical alignments nec-
`essary for good image quality vsdthout requiring active
`aligmnent of the CCD array during the replacement.
`Accordingly, the assembly includes pre-aligned components
`having exactly constrained interfaces. With an exactly con-
`strained interface, there are mounting features determined
`such that the X, Y, and Z positions and the three rotational
`positions of an object are clearly defined by these features,
`and only these features. Exactly constrained interfaces are
`also statically determinate interfaces. The components are
`fastenable together relative to the exactly constrained inter-
`faces providing an aligned assembly having parts that are
`interchangeable. These parts can be changed without having
`to actively align the components.
`More specifically, the CCD array is precisely located in a
`CCD array nest having a statically determinate interface
`through the use of a precision fixture which optically locates
`the CCD array with respect to the interface. The CCD array
`and the CCD array nest form a subassembly which isbonded
`together. The subassembly is located by the exactly con-
`strained interface to a carrier plate and attached by screws.
`This carrier plate assembly is optically aligned by another
`precision fixture to the system optics. The CCD array and a
`CCD array nest subassembly can be removed and replaced
`in the CCD array assembly without additional alignment.
`Accordingly, the CCD array assembly includes a CCD
`array nest having a statically determinate mounting interface
`bonded to the CCD array such that the CCD array is
`precisely aligned relative to the CCD array nest. The stati-
`cally deterrninate interface includes two spaced nest locators
`and three spaced raised surfaces collectively defining a
`mounting plane. Apertures extend through the raised sur-
`faces defining the mounting plane. The carrier plate has first
`and second sides and includes locator receivers cooperably
`disposed for engaging the array nest locators. The carrier
`plate also has threaded apertures corresponding to the aper-
`tures in the CCD array nest. It should be noted that other
`exactly constrained interfaces can be utilized.
`A barrel frame and lens assembly is precisely aligned
`relative to the carrier plate assembly through the use of
`
`20
`
`30
`
`35
`
`50
`
`55
`
`2
`
`another precision fixture and the carrier plate is bonded to
`the barrel frame such that the CCD array is optically aligned
`for optimal performance of the CCD array. Ifthe CCD array
`fails, the CCD array and CCD array nest are removable from
`the carrier plate via the screws which attach the subassembly
`to the carrier plate and a new subassembly can be installed
`without additional alignment.
`These and other features and advantages of the invention
`will be more fully understood from the following detailed
`description of the invention taken together with the accom-
`panying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded View of a CCD array
`assembly constructed in accordance with the present inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 2 is a plan View of a CCD array nest;
`FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the CCD array nest of
`FIG. 2;
`FIG. 4 is a sectional elevational View of a precision fixture
`illustrating the optical alignment of the CCD array in the
`CCD array nest;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carrier plate assembly
`comprising the CCD array, CCD array nest, and a carrier
`plate; and
`FIG. 6 is a side elevational View of the subassembly and
`carrier plate comprising the carrier plate assembly of FIG. 5
`illustrating the mounting arrangement.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Referring now to the drawings in detail, numeral 10
`generally indicates a CCD array assembly having a replace-
`able subassembly 12 comprised of a CCD array 14 and CCD
`array nest 16. As is hereinafter more fully described, the
`subassembly 12 can be replaced in the assembly 10 without
`additional alignment.
`With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the CCD array nest 16
`includes a statically determinate interface 18 defined in part
`by three generally concentrically disposed raised surfaces or
`pads 20 which define a mounting plane. The statically
`determinate interface 18 also includes two generally dia-
`metrically opposed array nest locators or pins 22 used to
`locate the CCD array nest 16 first in a fixture 24, as
`illustrated in FIG. 4 and subsequently in the assembly 10, as
`hereinafter more fully described.
`With continued reference to FIG. 4, the three pads 20
`locate the CCD array nest 16 in the Z direction. The two pins
`22 interface with a hole 26 and slot 28 in fixture 24, locating
`the CCD array nest 16 in the X and Y directions and with
`respect to rotation around the Z axis. The CCD array nest 16
`is held in place on the fixture 24 with screws 30 extending
`through apertures 32 in the center of each pad 20.
`The CCD array 14 is optically aligned relative to the CCD
`array nest 16 and thereby relative to the statically determi-
`nate interface 18, by processing information received from
`an illuminated target 34 through a lens assembly 36 mounted
`on the fixture 2.4. The output of the CCD array 14 is
`processed and the information from it used to align the CCD
`array in all degrees of fieedom for optimal performance.
`That alignment is achieved by holding the CCD with a
`fixture that has precision micrometer adjustments to move
`the CCD in all six degrees of freedom: X, Y, Z, rotation
`
`6
`
`

`
`5,731,834
`
`4
`
`The terms “optical alignmen ”, “optically aligned” and
`“optically located” as used herein and in the following
`claims refer to the previously described methods of align-
`ment of the CCD array 14 with the nest 16 and the carrier
`5 plate assembly 39 with the barrel frame and lens assembly
`44 by positioning the CCD array 14 or carrier plate assembly
`39 for optimal performance of the CCD array by processing
`information received from an illuminated target through a
`lens in a fixture or in the barrel frame and lens assembly.
`Although the invention has been described by reference to
`a specific embodiment. it should be understood that numer-
`ous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the
`inventive concepts described. Accordingly. it is intended that
`the invention not be limited to the described embodiment.
`but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the
`following claims.
`-
`
`15
`
`10
`
`3
`around X. around Y. around Z. For example, the principles
`used in the precision position controls that position a work
`piece in a machine tool can be utilized in the CCD holding
`fixture. Once the CCD array 14 is in a position providing
`optimal performance. the CCD array is bonded to the CCD
`array nest 16 with an adhesive. With such an alignment
`procedure. it becomes apparent that no precision is required
`of the CCD array nest 16. Therefore. part cost is reduced and
`performance is no longer dependent on part
`tolerance.
`Higher optimal performance is achieved in this manner.
`Referring again to FIG. 1. and with reference to FIGS. 5
`and 6. the CCD array assembly 10 includes a carrier plate 38
`having first and second sides 40. 42 respectively. The first
`side 40 engages the statically determinate interface 18 of the
`replaceable subassembly 12 and includes locator receivers
`defined by a hole 26' and slot 28' cooperably disposed for
`engaging pins 22. The first side 40 thereby provides a
`corresponding interface for receiving the array nest 16 as
`that of fixture 24. Screws 30' are used to attach the subas-
`sembly 12 to the carrier plate 38 forming a carrier plate
`assembly 39.
`The carrier plate 38 with the attached subassembly 12 is
`bonded by the second side 42 to a barrel frame and lens
`assembly 44 after alignment as hereinbelow described to
`complete the CCD array assembly 10. The barrel frame and
`lens assembly 44 includes a barrel frame 46 and a lens 48
`aligned by precision fixturing, not shown. The alignment of
`the barrel frame 46 and lens 48 can be preserved at this point
`in the process by bonding together with an adhesive.
`Alternatively, the alignment can be fixed after several more
`steps. By fixing the barrel frame 46 and lens 48 in connec-
`tion with alignment of the carrier plate 38 and subassembly
`12, the flexibility of adjusting the magnification of the
`optical system is achieved. This alignment is accomplished
`in an iterative manner.
`In like manner. as the hereinabove described optical
`alignment procedure preceding the bonding of the CCD
`array 14 and array nest 16. the subassembly 12 and the
`carrier plate 38 are mounted in another fixture. not shown,
`and the barrel frame and lens assembly 44 is secured in yet
`another fixture. not shown. that has an illuminated target.
`The subassembly 12 and carrier plate 38 are moved in a
`precise manner relative to the barrel frame and lens assem-
`bly 44 to achieve proper alignment. The output of the CCD
`array 14 is processed and the information from it used to
`align the carrier plate and CCD array subassembly 12 in all
`degrees of freedom for optimal performance. Once the
`subassembly 12 and carrier plate 38 are in a position of
`optimal performance of the CCD array 14, the second side
`42 of the carrier plate 38 is bonded to the barrel frame and
`lens assembly 44 by an adhesive.
`If the barrel flame 46 has not been previously bonded to
`adjust for magnification, it could be bonded at this point. If
`the magnification does not meet the requirements, the lens
`48 can be moved axially to change the magnification and the
`alignment process repeated. This would be an iterative
`process that may have to be repeated until the magnification
`meets the requirements of the scanner.
`If the CCD array 14 fails in use, the subassembly 12
`consisting of the CCD array 14 and array nest 16 is remov-
`able from the carrier plate 38 by unfastening screws 30' and
`removing the subassembly 12 from the carrier plate assem-
`bly 39. A new subassembly 12 is replaceable on the carrier
`plate 38, and without any active optical alignment. the
`alignment of the subassembly 12 is maintained through the
`statically determinate interface 18 engagement with the
`carrier plate.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`‘35
`
`Parts List
`
`10. CCD array assembly
`12. subassembly
`14. CCD array
`16. CCD array nest
`18. interface
`
`20. pads
`22. pins
`24. fixture
`26. hole
`26'. hole
`28. slot
`28'. slot
`30. screws
`30'. screws
`
`32. apertures
`34. target
`36. fixture lens assembly
`38. carrier plate
`39. carrier plate assembly
`40. first side
`42. second side
`
`45
`
`55
`
`44. assembly
`46. barrel frame
`48. lens
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method of assembling a CCD array assembly for use
`50 in a scanner. the method characterized by the steps of:
`optically aligning a CCD array relative to a CCD array
`nest for opt:i.rnal performance of said CCD array; said
`CCD array nest having an outwardly facing statically
`determinate mounting interface including three spaced
`raised surfaces collectively defining a mounting plane;
`said CCD array nest also having two spaced nest
`locators;
`:
`permanently aflixing said CCD array to said CCD array
`nest to form a subassembly;
`interfacing said statically determinate interface to a carrier
`plate;
`removably attaching said statically determinate interface
`to said carrier plate to form a separable carrier plate
`assembly;
`aligning a barrel frame relative to a lens;
`afiixing said barrel frame and lens assembly;
`
`60
`
`65
`
`7
`
`

`
`5,731,834
`
`5
`
`aligning said carrier plate assembly relative to said barrel
`frame and lens assembly for optimal performance of
`said CCD array; and
`permanently aflixing the carrier plate of said carrier plate
`assembly to said barrel frame and lens assembly while
`maintaining alignment of said carrier plate assembly
`with said barrel frame and lens assembly;
`whereby said nest and affixed CCD array subassembly
`may be replaced on the carrier plate with an identical
`subassembly without requiring further alignment.
`2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of aligning said
`CCD array relative to said CCD array nest is characterized
`by:
`constraining said array nest by said statically determinate
`interface surface in a precision fixture; and
`moving said CCD array in response to an illuminated
`target to align the CCD array for optimal performance.
`3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of attaching
`said interface to said carrier plate is characterized by:
`applying removable fasteners.
`4. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of aligning said
`carrier plate assembly relative to said barrel frame and lens
`assembly is characterized by:
`constraining said barrel frame and lens assembly in a
`precision fixture having an illuminated target; and
`aligning said carrier plate assembly for optimal perfor-
`mance of said CCD array.
`5. A method of assembling a CCD array assembly for use
`in a scanner, the method characterized by the steps of:
`optically aligning a CCD array relative to a CCD array
`nest for optimal performance of said CCD array; said
`CCD array nest having an outwardly facing statically
`determinate mounting interface including three spaced
`raised surfaces collectively defining a mounting plane;
`said CCD array nest also having two spaced nest
`locators;
`
`permanently affixing said CCD array to said CCD array
`nest to form a subassembly;
`interfacing said statically determinate interface to a carrier
`plate;
`removably attaching said statically determinate interface
`to said carrier plate to form a separable carrier plate
`assembly;
`aligning a barrel frame relative to a lens;
`optically aligning said carrier plate assembly relative to
`said barrel frame and lens for optimal performance of
`said CCD array;
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`6
`iteratively adjusting the magnification of the optical sys-
`tem by moving the lens axially in the barrel frame and
`going through the alignment process iteratively until
`the desired magnification is required;
`affixing said barrel frame and lens to form an assembly;
`and
`
`permanently affixing the carrier plate of said carrier plate
`assembly to said barrel frame and lens assembly while
`maintaining alignment of the carrier plate assembly
`with the barrel frame and lens assembly;
`
`whereby said nest and afiixed CCD array subassembly
`may be replaced on the carrier plate with an identical
`subassembly without requiring further alignment.
`6. A replaceable CCD array subassembly for use in a
`scanner including a CCD array and barrel frame and lens
`assembly characterized by:
`a CCD array nest having a statically determinate mount-
`ing interface including three spaced surfaces collec-
`tively defining a mounting plane, said CCD array being
`optically aligned and permanently affixed to said CCD
`array nest such that said CCD array is precisely aligned
`relative to said statically determinate mounting surface
`of the CCD array nest for optimal performance.
`7. The CCD array subassembly of claim 6 characterized
`in that said statically determinate interface includes two
`spaced nest locators.
`8. The CCD array subassembly of claim 7 characterized
`in that said spaced surfaces include apertures extending
`through said array nest.
`9. The CCD array subassembly of claim 8 in combination
`with a barrel frame and lens assembly characterized by:
`a carrier plate having first and second sides; said first side
`engaging said three spaced surfaces and having first
`and second locator receivers cooperably engaging said
`array nest locators; said carrier plate also having aper-
`tures corresponding to said apertures in said CCD array
`nest and receiving fasteners removably mounting said
`nest to the carrier plate;
`said barrel frame affixed to said lens such that said lens is
`
`precisely aligned relative to said ba.rrel frame;
`said carrier plate being permanently affixcd by its second
`side to said barrel frame and lens assembly such that
`said CCD array is precisely aligned relative to said lens.
`*
`*
`*
`*
`*
`
`8