LED Illumination for Optical Comparator Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incandescent lamps in optical comparators are prone to failure, causing eye fatigue, wasting energy, and requiring frequent replacements, which limits their use in precise measurement environments and increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of high-intensity LED lamps, specifically monochromatic green and white LEDs, for improved illumination in optical projection tools, along with adjustable diaphragms and telecentric lenses for enhanced image resolution and contrast, and the provision of retrofit kits for existing systems to replace incandescent lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If incandescent lamps are used as light source for optical comparator, then illumination is provided for image projection, but the lamps are prone to failure, waste energy, and require frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source by replacing incandescent lamps with LED lamps. This transition involves changing the lighting technology parameter from thermal radiation (incandescent) to electroluminescence (LED), resulting in improved reliability and reduced energy loss while maintaining the required illumination function for optical comparator image projection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/thermal system of incandescent lamps with an electrical/optical system using LED technology. This replacement eliminates the filament heating mechanism and uses semiconductor electroluminescence, thereby reducing energy waste and improving lamp lifespan without compromising the illumination function
2Measurement precision
If incandescent lamps are used for illumination, then image projection is enabled, but chromatic aberration and noise are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spectral characteristics of LED light sources to improve image quality. By selecting LED wavelengths that match the optical system's transmission characteristics, the patent reduces chromatic aberration and noise, thereby enhancing measurement precision while maintaining the image projection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal radiation mechanism of incandescent lamps with LED electroluminescence, which produces light with more favorable spectral properties. This substitution reduces chromatic aberration and noise generation, improving overall image quality and measurement precision in the optical comparator system
3Illumination intensity
If incandescent lamps are used, then illumination is provided, but they generate heat that disrupts temperature control in metrology laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the thermal radiation-based incandescent lighting system with an LED-based system that converts electrical energy directly to light with minimal heat generation. This substitution maintains the required illumination intensity for optical comparator operation while eliminating the heat disruption that compromised temperature control in metrology laboratory environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy conversion parameters of the lighting system from thermal radiation (incandescent) to electroluminescence (LED). This parameter change results in significantly reduced heat generation while maintaining adequate illumination intensity, thereby enabling use in temperature-controlled metrology laboratories without compromising environmental stability
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
LED lamps provide longer lifespan, reduced energy wastage, improved image quality, and energy efficiency, enabling precise measurements in controlled environments while reducing noise and chromatic aberration, thus enhancing the performance and cost-effectiveness of optical comparators.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention incorporates the use of LED lamps
Implementation Method 2
LEDs have enjoyed a tremendous growth over the last several years with new applications ranging from automotive lighting
Implementation Method 3
improve profile image projection by using a monochromatic green wavelength LED lamp(s) to improve image contrast by substantially reducing distortions caused by chromatic aberration
Implementation Method 4
A second element relay lens is placed to receive the image rays there-through passing the rays to a coated telecentric parfocal lens
Implementation Method 5
improve the resolution and depth of field for the projected image by having an adjustable diaphragm strategically placed within the optical image path
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for illuminating an object and projecting its image on a ground glass screen. Optical comparators conventionally use incandescent illumination, either mercury arc or halogen. The use of an array of high intensity LED devices, provides many options for packaging the required optical components used in comparators.