使用实例

Compact Scheimpflug Imaging Solution for Complex 3D Structure and Extended Depth of Field

From early testing to deployment, a custom solution for simplified integration

Maximizing inspection efficiency for slanted, raised, or complex surfaces often requires Scheimpflug imaging to extend usable field of focus. Yet integrating this technology—which spans optics, algorithms, and mechanical design—can be challenging. Our compact, customized solution combines FPGA‑accelerated processing algorithms and seamless mechanical design to simplify integration from concept validation to deployment.

Why Scheimpflug imaging?

In machine vision inspection, objects often have 3D structural features such as slanted or uneven surfaces, vias or grooves, and critical sidewall details that traditional top‑view imaging can miss. Scheimpflug imaging enables the focal plane to align with the tilted object surface, allowing AOI systems to capture more in-focus details across the field of view.

This capability is critical for advanced manufacturing processes—from semiconductor packaging inspection to PCB quality assurance and display panel defect detection.

Wafer inspection for raised features and edge structures

Semiconductor inspection

Detect raised features and edge structures on semiconductor wafers with more features in focus.
Glass via inspection for sidewall roughness and hidden cracks

Glass substrate via inspection

Inspect via sidewalls for roughness, cracks, and other hidden defects at tilt viewing angle.
平板显示器检测

Display panel inspection

Capture mura and surface anomalies across the entire panel with enhanced contrast and uniformity.

Overcoming key integration challenges

Scheimpflug imaging improves inspection efficiency and detail at tilt angles, yet effective deployment requires addressing optical alignment, algorithm optimization, and full system integration challenges.

Optical layout of the Scheimpflug imaging principle
Optical layout of the Scheimpflug imaging principle

Extended Depth of Field: NA adjustment combined with Scheimpflug

Reducing the numerical aperture (NA) is a common approach to extending depth of field, but it often comes at the expense of resolution and contrast.

A system configured using the Scheimpflug principle tilts the focus plane to align with the object’s surface geometry. While this doesn’t increase the theoretical depth of field, it keeps more of the target in focus—particularly for slanted or uneven surfaces—creating the practical effect of extended depth of field.

Scheimpflug imaging is a valuable technique that helps offset NA-related trade-offs in certain applications.

Scheimpflug imaging solution with real time trapezoidal distortion correction
Scheimpflug imaging solution with real time trapezoidal distortion correction

Distortion correction: real-time algorithmic compensation

Tilted viewing introduces strong perspective effects, resulting in trapezoidal distortion where nearer objects appear larger and farther ones smaller. This distortion directly impacts measurement accuracy.
Our real‑time distortion correction algorithms map image coordinates to physical coordinates, eliminating perspective distortion and restoring true geometric proportions. Additionally, radial lens distortions are also corrected, delivering subpixel accuracy with processing times under 5 ms, supporting real‑time inspection.

FPGA‑based algorithm improves Scheimpflug image contrast uniformity by 80%.
FPGA‑based algorithm improves Scheimpflug image contrast uniformity by 80%.

Contrast enhancement: 80% uniformity improvement algorithm

Scheimpflug imaging can reduce edge contrast due to lens aberrations, tilt angle light variation, and sensor angle effects. Our FPGA-based algorithm adjusts gain in different image regions using a quality distribution map. This improves contrast uniformity by 80%. Edges stay sharp, noise is reduced, and image quality remains consistent across the entire field of view.

在使用沙姆设计进行图像处理时遇到难题?欢迎随时交流。


FPGA-based image pre-processing advantages
FPGA-based image pre-processing advantages

FPGA preprocessing: no added CPU load

To prevent image preprocessing from affecting main CPU performance, we implemented distortion correction and contrast enhancement entirely on FPGA hardware. FPGAs’ parallel architecture naturally suits image processing, achieving speeds 10–50× faster than CPU-based methods. Moreover, its pipeline architecture provides true zero-latency processing, performing all preprocessing as the image data streams through.

This allows the main CPU to focus entirely on inspection algorithms, maximizing overall system efficiency. FPGA power consumption is also highly optimized, consuming only one-tenth of GPU power for the same processing capacity, which is economically advantageous for long-term industrial operations.

Adjustable Scheimpflug lens mount for testing
Adjustable Scheimpflug lens mount for fast angle testing and proof of concept

Rapid angle testing: dedicated hardware design

Finding the optimal tilt angle is critical yet time‑consuming. Our custom lens mount hardware enables flexible adjustment with a built‑in degree indicator, accelerating prototyping and integration. The clear scale ensures intuitive and repeatable angle setting, while standardized interfaces ensure compatibility with mainstream cameras and lenses—ideal for lab testing and determining the optimal tilt angle before finalizing production designs.

Compact custom camera solution with 15° tilt mount for Scheimpflug imaging
Compact custom camera solution with 15° tilt mount for Scheimpflug imaging

Compact tilt mount camera solution

In actual system integration, Scheimpflug imaging often faces alignment challenges and added mechanical complexity. This is mainly due to conventional camera housing limitations, especially in screen printing inspection and flat object scanning where nonstandard tilt angles are required.

Our tilt mount camera solution integrates a fixed Scheimpflug angle directly into a compact housing with optimal sensor plane alignment—eliminating bulky external mounts and complex alignment steps. This design simplifies mechanical integration, enhances stability, and reduces overall system size by up to 30–50%, making it ideal for both prototyping and production environments.

需要定制倾斜式相机接口吗?立即联系我们,探讨您的需求。
Every integration challenge is unique. We customize tilt angles, sensor alignments, and algorithmic optimizations so customers can move from concept to production faster—with confidence in long‑term performance.
Probe Teng
Probe Teng
Head of Custom Projects | APAC Marketing

紧凑、灵活、一体化的沙姆成像视觉方案

我们推出的一体化紧凑型沙姆成像视觉方案,将先进机械设计、智能固件与FPGA加速处理集成于单一平台,简化了将该技术应用于含3D结构特征物体的检测流程。
其主要优势包括:

  • 实现3–10倍景深扩展与80%的对比均匀度提升,清晰可靠成像复杂3D结构;

  • 依托FPGA加速,在执行失真校正的同时提升处理速度,输出高精度结果;

  • 外形紧凑、可定制,减小整体系统尺寸30–50%,可快速无缝集成于空间受限的生产环境。

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