Configurable Afocal Imager System with Cascaded Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical imaging systems face complexity in providing multiple angular resolutions and precise mechanical movements to switch between wide and narrow field of view modes with varying resolutions at different distances, complicating the design and requiring substantial precision.
Innovation Solution
A configurable afocal optical system using multiple reflective elements and a moveable beam diverting device, such as a fold mirror, that can be positioned within or outside the optical path to adjust magnification, allowing for cascading of systems to achieve various magnifications, including unity magnification, and maintain resolution consistency across different distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If zoom optical systems are used to provide multiple angular resolutions and maintain resolution at various distances, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and mechanical precision requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple discrete afocal modules, each providing a specific magnification factor. These modules can be independently selected and combined to achieve different angular resolutions, avoiding the need for complex continuous zoom mechanisms while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each afocal module is designed to be universally applicable and can be cascaded with other modules to achieve multiple magnification levels. The modules serve multiple functions by providing both wide-field-of-view capability when used individually and high-resolution capability when cascaded, eliminating the need for separate optical systems for different imaging modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If zoom optical systems are used to switch between wide and narrow field of view modes, then imaging capability is improved, but mechanical precision requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures by selectively cascading afocal modules based on the desired field of view mode. Rather than relying on precise mechanical movement of continuous zoom mechanisms, the system achieves mode switching by dynamically assembling different combinations of discrete modules, each with fixed but selectable magnification factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical zoom mechanisms with a modular assembly approach. Instead of using precision mechanical movements to change focal lengths continuously, the system uses discrete module combinations where the desired magnification is achieved by selecting and cascading appropriate modules, thereby substituting mechanical precision requirements with simpler module selection and assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple afocal modules are cascaded to achieve various magnifications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Afocal modules are designed with a nested structure where smaller modules can be placed within or combined with larger modules. Each module contains complete optical functionality and can be independently configured, allowing complex magnification levels to be achieved by nesting simpler modules together rather than requiring a single complex optical train.
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
Enables efficient switching between wide and narrow field of view modes with consistent resolution, reducing mechanical complexity and precision requirements, and allowing for compact packaging and multiple angular resolutions.
Implementation Method 1
a moveable beam diverting device, such as a fold mirror, that can be positioned within or outside the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
Configurable afocal optical system that can be configured to have different magnifications, including unity magnification, and which are capable of being cascaded to produce any number of magnifications.