Compact 360 Optical System Using Segmented Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for achieving high-quality omnidirectional images over 360° face challenges in miniaturization and compatibility with large image sensors, due to the need for large transparent media and complex processing of reflective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The optical system incorporates an entrance unit, three rotationally symmetric reflective surfaces, and an exit unit, where the light path is designed such that the incident light intersects the central axis twice, allowing for a compact structure and improved image quality by dispersing the power of the reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical systems with rotationally symmetric reflective surfaces are used to achieve omnidirectional imaging, then 360° coverage is obtained, but the transparent medium becomes large and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple discrete reflective surfaces (first, second, third reflective surfaces) with specific orientations rather than using a single large rotationally symmetric surface. This segmentation allows each surface to handle specific angular ranges, enabling compact overall dimensions while maintaining 360° coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional rotationally symmetric reflective surfaces to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple tilted reflective surfaces at specific angles (45°, 67.5°, etc.). This dimensional change in surface orientation allows light paths to be folded and compacted, achieving omnidirectional imaging in a smaller volume
2Reliability
If rotationally symmetric reflective surfaces are arranged to achieve high optical performance over 360°, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes complex and processing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each reflective surface is assigned a specific local function with a defined tilt angle (45°, 67.5°, etc.) relative to the optical axis. This local quality assignment simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex 360° imaging task into manageable segments, where each surface handles specific angular ranges with optimized local geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific parameter values for reflective surface tilt angles (45°, 67.5°, 90°) and positioning to optimize optical performance. These parameter changes transform the complex continuous optimization problem into a discrete set of configurable parameters that simplify manufacturing and alignment while maintaining high image quality
3Volume of moving object
If the optical system is designed to be compact, then miniaturization is achieved, but compatibility with large image sensors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system employs a nested arrangement where multiple reflective surfaces are positioned at different depths and angles within a compact volume. The light paths are folded back and forth through the medium, with each reflective surface nested within the spatial envelope defined by previous surfaces, allowing large effective optical paths to fit within small external dimensions while maintaining compatibility with large image sensors
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 configuration enables the creation of a compact optical system with high optical performance over 360°, facilitating the use of large image sensors while minimizing the system's size and processing complexities.
Implementation Method 1
Reflected light from the first reflective surface enters the second reflective surface without intersecting the central axis. Reflected light from the second reflective surface enters the third reflective surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes an entrance unit, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, a third reflective surface, and an exit unit. The entrance unit is rotationally symmetric around a central axis. Incident light from the entrance unit intersects the central axis and enters the first reflective surface. Reflected light from the first reflective surface enters the second reflective surface without intersecting the central axis. Reflected light from the second reflective surface enters the third reflective surface.