Dome-Based Optical Test Apparatus to Reduce Size and Complexity

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical test apparatuses for image acquisition devices, such as infrared seekers, are complex and large in size, making them difficult to handle and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A compact optical test apparatus featuring a three-dimensional dome with dispersed light sources and a control unit, which generates a predetermined image on the dome to simulate a target, eliminating the need for physical movement of a simulated target source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a physical simulated target source with movement mechanism is used, then the simulation capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement system of the simulated target source with an optical projection system. Instead of physically moving a target source to simulate different positions, the invention uses a projection device to display target images directly on the dome surface, eliminating complex mechanical structures while maintaining simulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the target on the dome surface through projection rather than using a physical target. The projection device generates images that replicate the appearance and position of actual targets, allowing the system to simulate various target scenarios without physical movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If a physical simulated target source with movement mechanism is used, then the simulation capability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement system of the simulated target source with an optical projection system. Instead of physically moving a target source to simulate different positions, the invention uses a projection device to display target images directly on the dome surface, eliminating complex mechanical structures while maintaining simulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the target on the dome surface through projection rather than using a physical target. The projection device generates images that replicate the appearance and position of actual targets, allowing the system to simulate various target scenarios without physical movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a physical simulated target source with movement mechanism is used, then the simulation capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement system of the simulated target source with an optical projection system. Instead of physically moving a target source to simulate different positions, the invention uses a projection device to display target images directly on the dome surface, eliminating complex mechanical structures while maintaining simulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a physical simulated target source with movement mechanism is used, then the simulation capability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement system of the simulated target source with an optical projection system. Instead of physically moving a target source to simulate different positions, the invention uses a projection device to display target images directly on the dome surface, eliminating complex mechanical structures while maintaining simulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces the size and simplifies the configuration of the optical test apparatus, enhancing its handling and reducing the likelihood of failures, while maintaining effective testing capabilities for image acquisition devices.

Implementation Method 1

light sources which are dispersedly arranged on the three-dimensional dome and generate a predetermined image on the three-dimensional dome

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9658043B2Optical test apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

An optical test apparatus includes a three-dimensional dome, light sources and a control unit. The three-dimensional dome covers a field of view of an image acquisition device. The image acquisition device is a test target device. The light sources are dispersedly arranged on the three-dimensional dome and generate a predetermined image on the three-dimensional dome. The first control unit controls the light sources.