Afocal Optical System MTF Measurement Across Multiple Field Angles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack an effective method to measure the modulation transfer function (MTF) of afocal optical systems, which are crucial for assessing their imaging quality, particularly in applications like mobile phone displays and augmented/virtual reality systems.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus and method that utilizes a receiving device, light-providing devices, cameras, and an evaluation unit to simultaneously measure MTF at multiple field positions, employing collimated light, optical filters, and movable camera and light-providing holding devices to adapt wavelength and polarization, and determine correction values for improving imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional single-axis measurement setup is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and completeness of MTF characterization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-axis measurement approach to a multi-axis measurement system. By arranging light sources and cameras along multiple axes (central axis and at least one peripheral axis) that intersect at a common point on the optical system, the system captures MTF data from multiple field positions simultaneously, enabling comprehensive characterization of the afocal optical system's imaging quality across different viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent measurement channels, each consisting of a light source and camera pair aligned along a specific axis. This segmentation allows parallel measurement of MTF at different field positions, improving both measurement precision and efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple field positions are measured sequentially, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and measurement efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system. By combining multiple light sources and cameras into one measurement apparatus with a common receiving device and evaluation unit, the system performs simultaneous MTF measurements at multiple field positions, dramatically improving productivity while consolidating control and data processing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system enables continuous acquisition of MTF data across multiple field positions through simultaneous measurement. The parallel measurement channels operate concurrently, eliminating idle time between measurements and maintaining continuous useful action, thereby maximizing measurement efficiency and productivity.
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 detailed measurement of MTF for afocal optical systems, allowing for the identification of deviations and correction of imaging quality issues, enhancing the performance of systems like mobile phone displays and AR/VR waveguides.
Implementation Method 1
The light-providing device can be configured to provide the light as collimated light
Implementation Method 2
The measuring apparatus can have at least one optical filter which is configured to change light, impinging on the optical filter, with a first wavelength range in order to provide the light with a changed, second wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
The camera is configured to observe the afocal optical system in the receiving device from a second side opposite the first side and to generate a camera image
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus for measuring a modulation transfer function (MTF) of an afocal optical system has a receiving device, a light-providing device, a camera, at least one further light-providing device, at least one further camera, and a transmission interface. In an operational state, the light-providing device, the afocal optical system, and the camera are arranged coaxially on or with measurement axes parallel to a measuring axis oriented perpendicularly to the receiving plane. The further light-providing device, the afocal optical system, and the further camera are arranged coaxially on or with measurement axes parallel to an oblique measuring axis oriented obliquely to the measuring axis. An evaluation unit is configured to identify, using at least one camera image, the modulation transfer function of the afocal optical system.