Target Collimators

Collimators enable long-range testing to be performed in a compact environment.  The relay lens elements produce a virtual image of a target focused at a long distance. Typically these are focused around the hyperfocal distance or up to infinity. Collimator lenses require a test chart and light source in order to make a complete target projection systems. Target projection collimators include these targets in the form of high-precision circular reticles and light sources. These assemblies need to be aligned precisely with the entrance pupil of the camera under test in order to produce an appropriate image for testing.

The Imatest Collimator Fixture includes a validation procedure that ensures minimal work-distance error and an on-board computer that displays and saves camera positions, lens and light panel configurations, and simulated distances. The Fixture is adaptable to numerous camera systems by providing adjustable simulated test distances, interchangeable collimating lenses, and a variety of test charts. The Fixture integrates with Imatest LED Light Panels, sizes C through G, and includes a joystick and computer-control interface for automatic positioning using four motorized stages, and storage and recall of device positions.

The CM10120 system can simulate a test distance from 1m – infinity. This is useful for testing camera systems that have long focus distances since lab space and production line space are usually limited. The simulated distance (i.e. object distance) is manually adjustable across the entire range. The CM10120 is not intended to fill the camera FOV for most camera systems. The target projected by the CM10120 can be used for testing a given region of the camera FOV, making it useful for tasks such as setting focus or checking for pass/fail criteria. Multiple units can be configured to project multiple targets into a camera if simultaneous multi-region testing is required.