Calibrating Caustic Optical Surfaces via Light Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for optical devices with caustic surfaces are inadequate, as they fail to account for manufacturing imperfections and focal length variations, leading to unacceptable visual artifacts and are often complex, expensive, and require precise mechanical alignment.
Innovation Solution
A light-based calibration method that uses a programmable light source and a light detecting device to create a calibration map, allowing for the alignment of caustic surfaces without mechanical adjustments, by projecting light onto the optical assembly and capturing the resulting illumination patterns to determine the mapping of image pixels to viewing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods using frequency patterns are used, then lens pitch can be estimated, but the method fails when lens pitch varies and does not account for focal length variations or manufacturing imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calibration approach from estimating lens pitch using frequency patterns to directly measuring focal length using a light source and camera. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to variations in lens pitch and focal length, as each lens can be individually calibrated based on its actual optical properties rather than assuming uniform pitch across the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with an optical calibration system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical positioning and frequency pattern analysis, the system uses light propagation and image capture to automatically determine lens parameters, making the calibration process more adaptable to manufacturing variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical alignment methods are used for calibrating caustic surfaces, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and requires precise mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simple optical calibration setup consisting of a light source and camera. The system captures images of light patterns to automatically determine lens parameters, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments while achieving high alignment precision through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model (calibration map) of the optical system's actual performance by capturing light patterns. This digital copy allows for software-based correction of alignment issues without requiring physical mechanical adjustments, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If closed feedback loop calibration systems are used to illuminate different images to different viewers, then 3D display calibration can be achieved, but the systems become complex, expensive, bulky, and require careful alignment of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential calibration function from complex multi-component feedback systems. By using a simple light source and camera to capture optical properties, the system achieves calibration without requiring multiple aligned components, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability through direct measurement of optical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system uses the optical assembly's own light propagation characteristics to perform self-calibration. By shining light through the assembly and capturing the resulting patterns, the system automatically determines its own parameters without requiring external complex alignment equipment or multiple components.
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
This method enables efficient, cost-effective calibration of optical assemblies with caustic surfaces, reducing visual artifacts and eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment, while allowing for dynamic observer-dependent light field emission.
Implementation Method 1
light from the calibration light source strikes the front or caustic surface of the optical elements/components of the optical assembly, and the light is optically refracted and/or reflected on the caustic surface
Implementation Method 2
light from the calibration light source strikes the front or caustic surface of the optical elements/components of the optical assembly, and the light is optically refracted and/or reflected on the caustic surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing light-based calibration of optics with caustic surfaces. The method includes mapping a light detecting device to a programmable light source. Then, the method includes operating a calibration light source to direct light onto one or more caustic surfaces of an optical assembly, e.g., an assembly of one or more lenses, facets, lenticules, and lenslets. The method may then involve, with the light detecting device, capturing an image of a projection surface of the optical assembly, which is opposite the one or more caustic surfaces in the optical assembly, as the projection surface is illuminated by the light from the light source. Further, the method includes processing the captured image, along with the mapping of the light detecting device to the programmable light source, to generate a calibration map of the optical assembly including the caustic surfaces.