Compact Anamorphic Lens Assembly for WAPS Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current anamorphic lens assemblies are too large and heavy for incorporation in wide area persistent scanning (WAPS) imaging systems, which require high resolution and compact designs due to limited space and weight constraints, while existing cinema projection lenses do not support the necessary resolution and are inefficient in correcting distorted fields of view.
Innovation Solution
A compact anamorphic objective lens assembly is designed with crossed cylindrical lens pairs positioned on opposing sides of an aperture stop, achieving a reduced length-to-focal-length ratio and supporting up to 25 megapixel resolution, incorporating spherical and aspherical surfaces to correct distortions and achieve an anamorphic ratio of expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional anamorphic lens assemblies are used, then anamorphic imaging function is achieved, but the assembly becomes too large and heavy for WAPS imaging systems
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is divided into multiple lens groups (first through fourth lens groups) with specific anamorphic elements positioned at strategic locations. This segmentation allows the anamorphic function to be distributed across the optical path rather than requiring a single large anamorphic element, reducing overall size and weight while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
Anamorphic lens elements are integrated within the multi-group lens structure, with crossed cylindrical lenses nested between spherical lens groups. This nesting approach allows the anamorphic functionality to be embedded within the compact lens assembly rather than adding separate bulky components
2Measurement precision
If cinema projection lenses are used, then anamorphic imaging is achieved, but resolution support is insufficient for 25 megapixel imaging
Solution Approach 1:
Specific lens groups (first and third) are designed with spherical surfaces optimized for high-resolution imaging, while other groups (second and fourth) incorporate crossed cylindrical anamorphic elements. This local differentiation allows the assembly to simultaneously achieve 25 megapixel resolution support and anamorphic imaging function without requiring complete redesign of all lens elements
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly combines different types of optical elements (spherical lenses and cylindrical anamorphic lenses) with specific refractive powers arranged in a composite structure. This composite approach integrates the high-resolution capabilities of spherical optics with the anamorphic stretching function of cylindrical optics in a unified system
3Length of moving object
If conventional anamorphic lens designs are used, then anamorphic ratio expansion is achieved, but the length-to-focal-length ratio remains too high
Solution Approach 1:
The lens groups are arranged with variable spacing and specific focal power distributions that dynamically optimize the optical path. The alternating positive and negative refractive powers of adjacent lens groups create a compact folded optical path that reduces the physical length while maintaining the required anamorphic expansion ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs lens groups with specific refractive powers (positive and negative) and varying focal lengths to optimize the length-to-focal-length ratio. By carefully selecting and arranging lens elements with different optical parameters, the assembly achieves compact dimensions while maintaining the required anamorphic imaging performance
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
The compact design allows for efficient incorporation in WAPS imaging systems, providing high-resolution imaging with reduced size and weight, effectively correcting distorted fields of view and achieving a lower length-to-focal-length ratio compared to traditional anamorphic lens assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The anamorphic lens enlarges the image along a first axis to a different extent than along a second perpendicular axis. That is, the recorded image may be asymmetrically stretched by the anamorphic lens
Implementation Method 2
the second optical sub-group including at least a first spherical lens, and the third optical sub-group including at least a second spherical lens
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Aspects are generally directed to a compact anamorphic objective lens assembly. In one example, the objective lens assembly includes a first anamorphic lens group including a first cylindrical lens having a surface optically powered in a first dimension and a second cylindrical lens having a surface optically powered in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension, the first anamorphic lens group being positioned to receive visible light along an optical path, a second anamorphic lens group positioned along the optical path to receive the visible light from the first anamorphic lens group, the second anamorphic lens group including a third cylindrical lens having a surface optically powered in the first dimension and a fourth cylindrical lens having a surface optically powered in the second dimension, and an aperture stop centered along the optical path and interposed between the first and second anamorphic lens groups.