Free-Form Surface Optical System Design via Analytical First-Order Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical design methods for free-form surface systems are time-consuming, requiring several minutes to hours for calculation, which can disrupt the designer's workflow and may not meet design requirements for volume, processing, and assembly, necessitating repeated calculations.
Innovation Solution
An end-to-end design method that includes steps for determining the initial plane system, solving the first-order geometric structure using field curvature and astigmatism elimination equations, and constructing the free-form surface system through surface normal correction, allowing for rapid optimization and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical design methods are used to design free-form surface systems, then high image quality can be obtained, but the design time is too long (several minutes to hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-solving the first-order geometric structure using field curvature and astigmatism elimination equations before the main optimization process. This preliminary calculation establishes a good initial structure that accelerates subsequent optimization while ensuring high image quality, thereby reducing overall design time from minutes/hours to a much faster process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional iterative mechanical optimization process with an analytical approach using field curvature and astigmatism elimination equations. This substitution of computational mechanics with mathematical analysis enables rapid calculation of the first-order geometric structure, dramatically reducing design time while maintaining high imaging quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional optical design methods are used, then design requirements for volume, processing, and assembly can be met, but repeated calculations are necessary which further increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the first-order geometric structure using analytical equations for field curvature and astigmatism elimination. This preliminary action provides a well-structured initial design that is closer to final requirements, reducing the need for repeated calculations and improving design efficiency while maintaining compliance with manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the results of the first-order geometric structure calculation to guide subsequent optimization steps. The analytical solution provides feedback on field curvature and astigmatism that directs the optimization process toward meeting volume, processing, and assembly requirements more efficiently, reducing iterative repetitions.
3Reliability
If traditional design methods are used, then comprehensive optimization can be achieved, but the calculation speed is too slow to maintain designer's workflow rhythm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow iterative mechanical optimization with fast analytical calculations using field curvature and astigmatism elimination equations. This substitution maintains comprehensive optimization reliability by analytically solving key geometric parameters while dramatically increasing calculation speed to keep up with designer workflow rhythm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analytical calculation of the first-order geometric structure before main optimization, establishing a solid foundation that reduces subsequent computational burden. This preliminary action maintains optimization completeness while accelerating the overall process to match designer workflow speed requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An end-to-end design method for designing a free-form surface system comprises: S1, providing an initial plane system, solving a first-order geometric structure according to the initial plane system, the first-order geometric structure comprising multiple curved surfaces, and determining an optical focal length of each curved surface according to a field curvature equation and the focal length equation; S2, determining the optical focal length of each curved surface and adjusting the position of the curved surface using a flat field condition and a linear astigmatism elimination equation; S3, determining a fast design strategy for the first-order geometric structure, a design strategy meets at least one of the following three conditions: a focal length of the system is equal to a given value; and S4, constructing the free-form surface system using a surface normal correction method.