Simultaneous Dual-Surface Lens Profiling via Chromatic Confocal Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens evaluation systems are time-consuming and costly due to their inability to simultaneously measure both sides of a lens, often resulting in lower accuracy due to vibrations and thermal expansion during the inspection process.
Innovation Solution
An optical test system with first and second probes centered on a vertical axis, capable of simultaneously measuring surface topography and geometric parameters of multiple lens surfaces by moving the lens in a test plane and using chromatic confocal sensors to collect wavelength-specific data, processed to determine surface topography and geometric parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional test systems measure one surface at a time, then the measurement process is simple, but the inspection time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent probes, each dedicated to measuring a specific lens surface. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple surfaces without requiring a single complex probe to handle all surfaces sequentially, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential one-dimensional measurement (one surface at a time) to parallel multi-dimensional measurement by positioning probes on opposite sides of the lens. This dimensional change enables simultaneous measurement of multiple surfaces, dramatically improving inspection speed and productivity
2Measurement precision
If conventional systems use mechanical mounting and sequential measurement, then the setup is straightforward, but vibrations and thermal expansion reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical contact measurement with optical measurement using chromatic confocal probes. This substitution eliminates mechanical vibrations and contact forces that affect precision, while the optical system provides non-contact, high-precision measurement of surface topography and geometric parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is securely mounted in a fixed position before measurement begins, and the system performs preliminary alignment to ensure the lens remains stable throughout the measurement process. This preliminary positioning prevents vibrations and thermal expansion from affecting measurement precision during data collection
3Productivity
If multiple lenses are inspected sequentially, then each lens receives full attention, but the total inspection time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous measurement action by using multiple probes that simultaneously measure multiple lens surfaces without interruption. This continuous parallel measurement eliminates the idle time between sequential measurements, significantly reducing total inspection time for batch processing while maintaining measurement quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated setup where multiple probes measure multiple surfaces of the same lens simultaneously. This merging of measurement operations into parallel processes reduces the total time required to inspect batch lenses while maintaining comprehensive coverage of all surfaces
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 solution provides highly accurate and efficient analysis of lens surfaces, reducing the time and cost associated with lens inspection while minimizing errors caused by vibrations and thermal expansion.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second probes simultaneously focus chromatic light onto the corresponding first and second surfaces of the lens and simultaneously collect reflections of the chromatic light off of the corresponding first and second surfaces of the lens
Implementation Method 2
collect reflections of the chromatic light off of the corresponding first and second surfaces of the lens
Implementation Method 3
The chromatic confocal sensor is operatively connected to the first and second probes and is configured to detect a surface peak wavelength of each reflection of the first and second surface simultaneously collected by each of the first and second probes
Data Source
AI summary
An optical test system and corresponding method disclosed herein provides highly accurate test data for both sides of a lens simultaneously and efficiently to analyze the surface topography and/or geometric parameters of a lens or lens system. More particularly, the optical test system and corresponding method moves the lens in test plane to align a plurality of points of a test pattern on a lens surface with a vertical axis while probes aligned with the vertical axis and on opposing sides of the lens simultaneously collect wavelength-specific data for both lens surfaces. The optical test system uses the collected wavelength-specific data to produce a surface topography and/or the associated lens geometric parameters for each lens surface.