A new lens system offers a compact solution that simplifies the integration of intelligent optics into machine vision systems. Designed for remote and mobile applications such as AMRs and UAVs, it enables precise control over zoom, focus, iris, and filter functions. With built-in calibration, the system delivers high image quality, and ease of use for advanced imaging applications.

Theia Technologies’ IQ Lens System integrates a motorized lens, motor control board, calibration data, and software with a graphical user interface (GUI) into a modular, and configurable package. Previously, users developed their own control software. Now, Theia’s system streamlines integration, reducing development time and cost. Its built-in calibration data enables optimal image quality and simplifies system setup. Compact and lightweight, the varifocal lens and control board are ideal for remote or mobile applications, enabling convenient integration into machine vision systems.

Remote Access and Control

Theia’s motorized lenses and motor control board integrate into machine vision systems using stepper motors to control zoom, focus, iris, and filter functions. Designed for difficult-to-access environments, such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), these lenses simplify setup and operation.

They enable remote zoom and focus, offering flexibility for variable camera placements and changing object distances. This is especially useful in Cobots, robotic-assisted medical applications, and automated lab testing environments.

The lenses also switch between visible and Near IR (NIR) light, enabling detailed multi-spectral imaging. Applications include tissue hydration monitoring, crop health analysis, and license plate recognition—balancing accurate color rendition and enhanced NIR sensitivity.

Plug and Play Integration

Until recently, using Theia’s lens and control board required users to manually convert parameters into motor steps. The IQ Lens System now includes an SDK and GUI that translate engineering values into motor commands using Theia’s control library.

Users can input field of view, aperture setting, or object distance, and the software handles the conversion to motor steps—no need for manual calculations or look-up tables. The system includes the MCR IQ Motor Control Board, which translates these steps into precise motor actions via USB, UART, or I2C communication.

The SDK includes Python modules and a GUI application for convenient access and development. A royalty-free license is included with purchase, saving users time, resources, and reducing time to market.

Lens Intelligence

The IQ Lens features computer-readable calibration data to enhance imaging and processing. Varifocal lenses typically require refocusing when the focal length changes. The IQ Lens includes an average zoom/focus tracking curve, helping maintain focus during zoom or allowing preset focus for a known zoom level. This functionality improves image optimization for mobile or remote devices like AMRs and UAVs. Knowing the zoom motor step-to-focal length relationship allows precise field of view setup for dynamic applications, such as mobile enforcement cameras or robotic pick-and-place systems.

The lens includes key design data:

• Aperture size: Allows fine lighting control, improving depth of field in outdoor conditions. Useful in ANPR, crop inspection, and infrastructure monitoring.
• Geometric distortion: Enables spatial correction across focal lengths without requiring distortion grid jigs. Ideal for mapping, navigation, stitching, and de-warping applications.
• Relative illumination: Facilitates corner brightness uniformity across focal lengths and F/# settings—important for inspection tasks.

The IQ Lens System’s modularity supports flexible configuration within tight mechanical constraints. The varifocal lens is under 52 mm long, and the motor control board measures 25 x 60 mm—ideal for integration in compact systems.

Authors
Mark Peterson, VP of Advanced Technology at Theia
Andrea Van, VP of Business Development at Theia