New Scale’s custom M3 micro-mechatronics module delivers precision lens motion in the next-generation AWARE camera, a gigapixel camera developed at Duke University. A piezo motor and on-board electronics create a small, precise and smart actuator that enables independent focus of each of the hundreds of microcameras packed into the AWARE camera system.

Miniaturized piezoelectric motion modules move hundreds of lenses with micrometer precision, contributing to unprecedented image detail in the wide-field-of-view camera developed at Duke University

11.18.2013 UPDATE: Aqueti’s Scott McCain shows WNCN how they assemble the gigapixel camera and shows off the results. Watch the video on WNCN.com (3:28 mins)

Victor, NY – November 7, 2012 – New Scale Technologies’ M3 focus modules have been designed into the next-generation AWARE cameras, the ground-breaking gigapixel cameras developed at Duke University and featured in the journal Nature earlier this year. New Scale’s tiny piezoelectric motion modules further improve the image quality by providing automated micrometer-scale lens adjustments in each of the hundreds of sub-cameras that make up an AWARE camera system.

In an AWARE camera, hundreds of 14-megapixel microcameras are grouped around a spherical lens with 30 mm semi-diameter. The image from this objective lens is refracted outward to the microcameras, and each microcamera captures a specific area of the field of view. Images from the individual microcameras are rapidly stitched together using image processing to create a single image with wide field of view and unprecedented detail across the entire image.

Independent focus adjustment of a smaller lens on each microcamera allows every area in the field of view to be brought into sharp focus simultaneously. This requires extremely small lens motion systems that fit into the densely-packed spherical array of microcameras. New Scale delivered a customized version of its M3 micro-mechatronics module to meet the requirement.

The custom module has a cross section less than 6 X 10 mm, a stroke of 2.5 mm and resolution of 0.5 micrometers. It moves a lens weighing several grams. This complete motion system integrates New Scale’s patented SQUIGGLE piezoelectric motor, ASIC motor driver, magnetic position sensor and microprocessor with closed-loop motion firmware.

“The spherical arrangement and close spacing of the image sensors, optics, electronics and focus module in the AWARE camera is quite an engineering feat,” said Justin Vacca, program manager at New Scale. “Our challenge was to make a longer and thinner version of our M3 motion module to fit in the AWARE camera system. With our M3 micro-mechatronics module platform and our motion systems expertise, we quickly delivered a custom solution to meet the difficult requirements.”

Details of the AWARE camera were published online in Nature in June. In September the researchers formed a spin-off company named Aqueti to commercialize the technology, which they see as potentially attractive for use in security, events or online publishing applications.

The team’s research was supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and is a collaboration of Duke University, the University of Arizona, the University of California San Diego, Aptina, Raytheon, RPC Photonics, and Distant Focus Corporation.

About New Scale Technologies

New Scale Technologies develops small, precise and smart motion systems for critical adjustments of optics in imaging devices and many other micro positioning applications. Our simple and elegant solutions deliver best-in-class performance in consumer imaging, biometric authentication, surveillance, medical devices, scientific instruments, haptic systems and many other markets. We design and manufacture custom products and license our technology to manufacturers worldwide. Our customers benefit from complete motion solutions that are tailored to their unique requirements and easily integrated into their next-generation instruments.

 

SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark, and New Scale Pathway and UTAF are trademarks of New Scale Technologies, Inc.

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