Adjustable Lens Optical Tracking System for Angle Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in tracking targets at close range due to high angular speed and coverage issues by objects, requiring complex calibration and multiple lenses for different ranges, which complicates accurate angle measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a lens arrangement having a variable position relative to the image sensor, equipped with a light source and optical filters for selective wavelength passage, allowing for both tracking and visual monitoring using a single lens, and a motor unit for adjusting the lens position between wide and narrow angle settings to maintain target alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a narrow angle lens is used for accurate angle measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to find and track targets at close range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lens arrangement adjustable between different angular settings. The lens can be dynamically repositioned between a first position (wide angle) for target acquisition and a second position (narrow angle) for precise measurement, allowing the system to adapt its field of view based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by enabling a single lens arrangement to perform multiple functions: target search, target acquisition, and precise angle measurement. By adjusting the lens position, the same optical component serves both wide-angle surveying and narrow-angle measurement purposes, eliminating the need for separate lenses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide angle lens is used for target acquisition, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between wide angle and narrow angle configurations by repositioning the lens arrangement. When target acquisition is needed, the lens is positioned for wide angle coverage; when measurement is required, it switches to narrow angle position, optimizing performance for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens arrangement is designed to be universal, capable of performing both target search (wide angle) and precise measurement (narrow angle) functions. This multi-functionality is achieved through the adjustable lens position mechanism that transforms the lens into different optical configurations as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used for different tracking ranges, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple lenses into a single lens arrangement that can be repositioned. Instead of having separate wide angle and narrow angle lenses, the system combines them into one adjustable lens that can be moved between positions, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining multi-range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens arrangement is designed to replace multiple specialized lenses by providing universal coverage across different tracking ranges. Through positional adjustment, the same lens performs the roles of both wide angle and narrow angle lenses, simplifying the overall device structure.
4Device complexity
If the lens position is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain target alignment during movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens arrangement is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned between wide angle and narrow angle configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain reliable target tracking across different ranges and motion conditions, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates reliable tracking and monitoring of targets at both close and long ranges with improved accuracy and reduced calibration complexity by using a single lens setup, minimizing the risk of target loss and maintaining image size consistency across different angle ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting light in a predetermined wavelength range in the direction of the target
Implementation Method 2
a first optical filter for selectively allowing the light in the predetermined wavelength range to pass through in the direction of the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
a lens arrangement having a variable position relative to the image sensor along an optical path of the optical system to project an image of the target onto the image sensor
Implementation Method 4
a tracking device for tracking the target using the reflected light in the predetermined wavelength range in a sequence of images of the target obtained by the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Optical system for tracking and visually examining a target, comprising an image sensor and a lens arrangement having a variable position relative to the image sensor to project an image of the target onto the image sensor, a light source for emitting light in a predetermined wavelength range in the direction of the target and a filter switch for switching an optical filter for selectively allowing the light in the predetermined wavelength range to pass through to the image sensor into and out of the optical path to optionally perform a visual examination and monitoring of the tracking. A tracking device is provided to perform the tracking of the target using the reflected light in the predetermined wavelength range in a sequence of images held by the image sensor when the first optical filter is switched into the optical path.