Focal Length Extender with Beam Splitter for Telescope Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic imaging systems face challenges in digital image decoupling without compromising the usability of eyepiece modules, particularly due to mechanical complexity and obstruction of view and balance when using camera adapters with extended housings.
Innovation Solution
A focal length extender is introduced downstream of the telescopic imaging system, incorporating a relay lens with adjustable refractive power and a beam splitter to decouple imaging beams, allowing for interchangeable and cost-effective upgrades that maintain optical performance and enable external image display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera adapter with extended housing is used to support a camera for digital image recording, then digital image decoupling is enabled, but the view into the observation eyepiece is hindered and the balance while holding the telescope is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The camera support device is nested within the extender housing, with the camera receiving device arranged inside the extender housing to receive a camera. This nesting approach eliminates the need for an extended external housing, thereby maintaining balance and eyepiece accessibility while enabling digital image recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging beam path is folded using additional beam splitters and mirrors to redirect the beam onto a camera sensor positioned within the extender housing. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the camera to be integrated without extending the housing length, preserving ergonomic properties while enabling digital imaging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter is arranged in front of the eyepiece exit lens to decouple imaging beams for external display, then digital image sharing is enabled, but the mechanical structure becomes complex and the housing protrudes extensively
Solution Approach 1:
The extender housing serves multiple functions: it houses the relay lens for focal length extension, contains the camera support device for digital recording, and incorporates beam splitting elements for image sharing. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated unit, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A relay lens system with negative refractive power is introduced as an intermediary optical element to extend the focal length and create virtual image planes that can be captured by the camera sensor. This intermediary optical system enables image decoupling and sharing without requiring direct modification of the eyepiece module, simplifying the overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an interchangeable extender housing is inserted downstream of the telescopic imaging system, then space for beam decoupling elements is created and imaging ratios are maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into modular components: the original telescopic imaging system, the interchangeable extender housing containing the relay lens and camera support device, and optional eyepiece modules. This segmentation allows independent upgrading of the extender housing while maintaining compatibility with existing telescopic systems, enabling cost-effective adoption of new technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender housing is designed as an interchangeable module that can be attached or detached from the telescopic imaging system. This dynamic configuration allows users to add digital imaging capabilities only when needed, maintaining the simplicity of the original system for traditional visual observation while enabling advanced functionality when required.
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 allows for digital image decoupling without hindering the original functionality of eyepiece modules, providing adjustable imaging ratios and correcting imaging errors, while enabling remote observation and processing of images through integrated or external processors and displays.
Implementation Method 1
A relay lens with negative refractive power is arranged at a distance and in front of a first stop level of the extender in the direction of the light
Implementation Method 2
an inclined beam splitter surface decouples a portion of the imaging beam. The decoupled imaging beams can be received by an image receiving sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a focal length extender for a telescopic imaging system with interchangeable viewing eyepieces, including a cylindrical housing, which has a first and a second stop plane which are perpendicular to its cylinder axis in the direction of the light with associated connecting elements to the telescope body and for interchangeable viewing eyepieces and in which the housing has a relay lens arranged between the first stop plane and the second stop plane, wherein the relay lens is divided in two and consists of a first positive, neutral or negative lens element and a further negative lens element, wherein between the first and the further lens element, a beam splitter surface is arranged downstream at an angle to the optical axis of the imaging system and the first and further lens element together with the distance therebetween has an overall negative refractive power.