Micromirror Array Lens for High-Speed Optical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical tracking devices face challenges in tracking fast-moving targets with high accuracy, generating three-dimensional image information, and maintaining a simple construction, due to limitations in field of view, tracking dropout rates, and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Micromirror Array Lens with variable focal length, field of view, and optical axis capabilities, allowing for rapid adjustments and adaptive optical surface profiles to maintain focus on fast-moving targets and reduce tracking dropout rates, while simplifying the device's construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used, then the configuration and image processing scheme are simplified, but the device cannot produce three-dimensional image information and has limited field of view leading to high tracking dropout rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable focal length lens that can dynamically adjust its focal length between wide-angle and telephoto positions. This dynamic adjustment allows a single camera to achieve both wide field of view for tracking and telephoto view for three-dimensional image information extraction, eliminating the need for multiple cameras while maintaining high tracking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture wide-angle images for tracking, telephoto images for three-dimensional reconstruction, and switch between these modes based on tracking requirements. This multi-functionality allows one camera to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized cameras
2Loss of information
If a dual-angle lens system is used to obtain wide-angle and narrow-angle images, then three-dimensional image information can be generated, but the lens configuration becomes very complex and generates large image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex dual-angle lens system with fixed configurations, the patent employs a single variable focal length lens that can dynamically switch between wide-angle and telephoto focuses. This dynamic approach simplifies the lens configuration while still enabling three-dimensional image information extraction through focal length variation rather than angular displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a variable focal length lens to create different virtual images at different depths by adjusting focal length, rather than using multiple physical cameras or complex lens systems. This allows the single lens to replicate the functionality of multiple imaging systems with much simpler configuration
3Device complexity
If macroscopic mechanical movements are used for camera attitude adjustment, then the device can be constructed simply, but the device becomes bulky and heavy with low imaging speed and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces macroscopic mechanical attitude adjustment systems with a variable focal length lens that achieves focusing and tracking functions through optical parameter changes rather than mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components while enabling fast imaging speeds and low power consumption through electronic focal length adjustment
4Device complexity
If a fixed focal length lens is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to fast-moving targets and has limited field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable focal length lens that can dynamically adjust its focal length in response to tracking requirements. This allows the lens to adapt to fast-moving targets by switching between wide-angle views for initial acquisition and telephoto views for high-resolution tracking, while maintaining relatively simple device structure
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
Enables high-resolution imaging with a wide field of view, reduces tracking dropout rates, and eliminates the need for complex mechanical systems, resulting in a lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective optical tracking device capable of maintaining focus on fast-moving targets and providing three-dimensional image information.
Implementation Method 1
The lens unit comprises at least one Micromirror Array Lens, wherein the Micromirror Array Lens comprises a plurality of micromirrors and is configured to have a plurality of optical surface profiles by controlling rotations or translations of the micromirrors
Data Source
AI summary
The optical tracking device of this invention comprises a lens unit, a control circuitry communicatively coupled to the lens unit, and an imaging unit optically coupled to the lens unit. The lens unit comprises at least one Micromirror Array Lens, wherein the Micromirror Array Lens comprises a plurality of micromirrors and is configured to have a plurality of optical surface profiles by controlling rotations or translations of the micromirrors. The optical tracking device of the invention further comprises an image processing unit, communicatively coupled to the imaging unit, configured to process the image information from the imaging unit and generates a control signal for the control circuit to control the lens unit. The optical tracking device of the present invention provides capability of tracking a target moving in a high speed, providing three-dimensional image information of the object, and compensating the aberration of the optical tracking device.