Free-Form Optical Overlay for Compact Observation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation devices, such as rifle scopes, are cumbersome and heavy due to the large number of optical components required to correct optical aberrations, making them impractical for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of free-form type optical components, including a mechanical structure, a camera, and a display module with a first microdisplay, along with an optical combiner and a reduced arrangement of optical components, which can include one to three free-form type optical surfaces, to direct an image output by the display module and superimpose it with the observed scene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical components are used to correct optical aberrations, then optical performance is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (aberration correction, image directing, and combining) into a single free-form optical component. This merging eliminates the need for separate lenses and mirrors, reducing the number of components while maintaining optical performance through the integrated free-form surface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs free-form optical surfaces with complex geometric parameters to achieve aberration correction that traditionally required multiple standard optical components. The free-form surface parameters are optimized to provide equivalent or superior optical performance with fewer elements, directly addressing the contradiction between performance and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple optical components are used to direct and combine images, then image quality is improved, but device dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical components (lenses for aberration correction, mirrors for image directing, and combiners for overlaying images) into a single free-form optical component. This consolidation maintains image quality through precise free-form surface design while dramatically reducing device weight by eliminating redundant structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses free-form curved surfaces with complex geometries to achieve the optical performance previously requiring multiple components. These curved surfaces are designed to correct aberrations and direct images simultaneously, maintaining image quality while reducing the physical footprint and weight of the optical system.
3Reliability
If traditional optical components are used, then optical aberrations are corrected, but device compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines aberration correction and image directing functions into a single free-form optical component, eliminating the need for multiple separate lenses and mirrors. This integration maintains effective aberration correction while significantly reducing the volume occupied by the optical train, enabling a more compact device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes free-form surface parameters with complex mathematical descriptions to achieve aberration correction in a single component. The optimized parameters allow the component to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously, reducing the overall volume required compared to traditional multi-component systems.
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 results in a more compact and lightweight observation device with reduced optical aberrations, providing high-quality image overlay with improved optical performance, suitable for various applications including automotive vehicles and aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
the optical combiner directing towards an observation zone the superposition of an image of an observed scene and of the image output by the display module
Implementation Method 2
the arrangement of optical components is an arrangement of free-form type optical components comprising between one and three free-form type optical surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an observation device comprising a mechanical structure, a camera and a display module comprising a first micro-display configured to display an image of an item of spectral information measured by the camera, the observation device comprising an optical combiner and an arrangement of optical components configured to direct, to the optical combiner, an image output by the display module and comprising the item of spectral information displayed by the first micro-display, the arrangement of optical components comprising between one and three optical surfaces, the optical combiner directing the overlaid image of an observed scene and the image output by the display module to an observation zone.