Micromirror Array Lens for Variable Focal Length Optical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical tracking systems face challenges in providing a highly adjustable field of view with minimal distortion and simplified construction, as they often require complex lens systems and servo mechanisms to maintain focus on fast-moving objects and generate three-dimensional information.
Innovation Solution
The use of a micromirror array lens (MMAL) with variable focal length and optical axis adjustment capabilities, allowing for rapid changes in field of view and optical axis without the need for servo mechanisms, enabling high-resolution and wide-angle imaging with reduced tracking dropout rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lens systems are used to provide adjustable field of view, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple lenses and servo mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the focal length of a single lens to achieve different field of view angles. By changing the focal length parameter from 25mm to 100mm, the system provides both wide-angle and narrow-angle imaging capabilities without requiring multiple physical lenses, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single lens perform multiple functions by enabling it to operate at different focal lengths. The same lens element provides both wide-angle surveillance coverage and narrow-angle detailed imaging, eliminating the need for separate wide-angle and telephoto lenses, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Reliability
If servo mechanisms are used to track fast-moving objects, then tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical servo mechanisms with an optical solution by rapidly changing the lens focal length. This substitution of mechanical tracking with optical parameter adjustment reduces moving parts, simplifies the system, and maintains tracking reliability for fast-moving objects through quick focal length transitions
3Device complexity
If single imaging systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but three-dimensional information extraction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by alternately capturing images at different focal lengths (wide-angle and narrow-angle). By periodically switching between different focal length settings, the system gathers multiple views of the scene that can be processed to extract three-dimensional information, maintaining single-system simplicity while enabling depth perception
Data Source
AI summary
An optical tracking system using a variable focal length lens includes at least one camera system, and the at least one camera system includes an objective lens system, configured to receive an object image, and at least one micromirror array lens, optically coupled to the objective lens system, configured to focus the object image received by the objective lens system onto an image sensor. The image sensor is optically coupled to the micromirror array lens, configured to receive the focused object image from the micromirror array lens and to sense the focused object image. The advantages of the present invention include ability to rapidly change the focal length and optical axis of a camera system, allowing for high-resolution, wide-angle imaging.