Angle Mirror Image Coupling Lens Infinity Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner mirror systems require viewers to refocus their eyes when switching between the primary view and a display unit, leading to eye strain and inability to process both image sources simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A corner mirror design with an image coupling system, utilizing a combination of mirror elements and a coupling lens, where the display unit is positioned vertically and the lower deflection mirror acts as a beam splitter, allowing both image information sources to be viewed at the same distance, maintaining focus without eye refocusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display unit is arranged in the periscope body for direct viewing, then the display function is achieved, but the viewer must refocus eyes from infinity to close-up range causing eye strain
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the display unit and the periscope viewing path. This lens couples the display image into the optical path, allowing the image to be projected at infinity focus while maintaining the compact periscope structure. The coupling lens acts as the mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of direct display viewing and comfortable infinity focus viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the viewing system are changed by introducing the coupling lens, which transforms the display image into an infinity-focused image. This parameter change allows the display information to be viewed at the same focus distance (infinity) as the primary view through the periscope, eliminating the need for eye refocusing while maintaining the compact device structure.
2Loss of information
If the display unit is positioned for direct viewing, then display functionality is provided, but both image sources cannot be taken in simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling lens serves as an intermediary that merges the display image path with the primary view path at infinity focus. This allows both image sources (primary view through periscope and display unit) to be simultaneously visible at the same focus distance, enabling efficient information intake without requiring sequential refocusing of the eyes.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact arrangement of mirror elements and coupling lens is used, then space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling lens is integrated directly into the periscope body structure, merging the display coupling function with the existing optical path. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and interfaces, thereby reducing cumulative alignment tolerances and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 simultaneous viewing of both image sources without eye refocusing, reducing eye strain and improving information intake by maintaining focus at a single distance, while maintaining a compact and space-efficient arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens (14) designed as a collector lens is arranged offset one above the other
Implementation Method 2
an arrangement of different mirror elements and a coupling lens between the display and the corner mirror body can be used to realize a beam path that is compatible with the beam path through the view
Implementation Method 3
the lower deflection mirror is also designed as a beam splitter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An angle mirror with image injection has an angle-mirror body, a viewing-in end, a viewing-out end, panels arranged in front of the ends, upper and lower deflection mirrors and a display. The image of the display is visible in the viewing-in end. The angle mirror makes it unnecessary for an observer's eye to refocus during an image-source change, such that he can recognize both represented image information items at the same time. This is achieved by arranging the display in a vertical direction on the angle mirror, configuring the lower deflection mirror as a beam splitter, arranging a first mirror element behind it, and guiding a first beam path of the display via an injection lens arranged on the angle-mirror body and likewise via mirror elements arranged thereon such that the first beam path is superposed at the beam splitter by a second beam path through the viewing-out end.