Imaging Optics With Coaxial Wavelength Separation for Range Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies struggle to accurately superimpose the irradiation range of one wavelength range light with the imaging range of another wavelength range light, leading to misalignment and difficulty in visual recognition, especially when using infrared light for imaging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that includes a first optical system transmitting both first and second wavelength range lights, a separation optical system to separate these lights, and separate image sensors for each wavelength range, with a phase plate and polarizing plates to align and polarize the infrared light, allowing coaxial projection and imaging systems to ensure accurate superimposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical axes are used for first wavelength range light and second wavelength range light, then the imaging system can independently process different wavelength ranges, but the irradiation range and imaging range become misaligned and cannot be accurately superimposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical paths for first wavelength range light and second wavelength range light into a shared optical axis. The imaging lens transmits both wavelength ranges along the same optical path, and the separation optical system separates them after they have traveled together, ensuring that the irradiation range and imaging range are accurately superimposed while still allowing independent processing of each wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation optical system acts as an intermediary that receives both wavelength ranges on a shared optical axis and separates them into distinct paths for independent detection. This mediator enables both wavelength ranges to benefit from the aligned optical path while still allowing separate processing, resolving the contradiction between alignment accuracy and independent processing capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a shared optical system is used for both wavelength ranges, then accurate superimposition of irradiation and imaging ranges is achieved, but the complexity of the optical system increases due to the need for separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths for both wavelength ranges in the imaging lens and transmission path, eliminating the need for separate optical systems. The shared optical axis ensures accurate superimposition while the merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging lens is designed with multi-functionality to transmit both first wavelength range light and second wavelength range light along the same optical axis. This universal optical element handles both wavelength ranges simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized optical components and simplifying the overall system structure.
3Illumination intensity
If infrared light is used for imaging, then imaging capability in low-light conditions is improved, but visual recognition becomes difficult and stray light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detected light into different wavelength ranges using the separation optical system. By separating first wavelength range light (including infrared) from second wavelength range light (visible light), the system can process infrared signals for low-light imaging capability while using visible light for visual recognition, and the segmentation enables targeted stray light filtering for each wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation optical system serves as an intermediary that divides the combined light signal into distinct wavelength components. This mediator allows the system to apply wavelength-specific processing, including targeted stray light removal and selective enhancement of useful signals, thereby reducing overall stray light interference while maintaining infrared imaging capability.
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 apparatus achieves precise superimposition of infrared and visible light imaging ranges, enhancing visual recognition and reducing stray light interference, while allowing distance measurement and improved light transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
with a phase plate and polarizing plates to align and polarize the infrared light
Implementation Method 2
a first separation optical system that separates the light transmitted through the first optical system into the first wavelength range light and the second wavelength range light
Implementation Method 3
the first optical system emits the first wavelength range light emitted from the first light source to a subject, and transmits subject light including first wavelength range reflected light obtained by reflecting the first wavelength range light by the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a first optical system, a first separation optical system that separates the light transmitted through the first optical system into the first wavelength range light and the second wavelength range light, a second optical system that transmits the first wavelength range light obtained by the first separation optical system, a third optical system that transmits the second wavelength range light obtained by the first separation optical system, a first image sensor that receives the first wavelength range light, a second image sensor that receives the second wavelength range light, and a first light source that emits the first wavelength range light, in which the first optical system emits the first wavelength range light emitted from the first light source to a subject, and transmits subject light including first wavelength range reflected light obtained by reflecting the first wavelength range light by the subject.