Parallel MTF Testing Machine for Mass Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MTF measurement techniques are slow and expensive, making them inadequate for mass production of optical systems, as they require testing one lens at a time with multiple stationary telescopic cameras, which is time-consuming and lacks flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A parallel testing method using multiple telescopes or collimators that rotate around the center of each lens under test, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple lenses with a mechanical arrangement that moves all telescopes in parallel, synchronized by orthogonally mounted motors, and analyzed by a computer to generate MTF curves and pass/fail reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple stationary telescopic cameras are used to measure MTF, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the stationary telescope arrangement into a dynamic system where a single telescope rotates around the optical axis to sequentially occupy multiple measurement positions. This dynamic approach replaces multiple stationary telescopes with one moving telescope, achieving the same measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity by enabling parallel measurement of multiple lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is segmented into discrete angular positions around the optical axis. The single telescope sequentially measures at different angular positions (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to gather comprehensive MTF data, effectively dividing the work that would otherwise require multiple simultaneous telescopes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stationary telescopic cameras are deployed around a single point, then comprehensive optical parameter measurement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single telescope is designed to perform multiple measurement functions by rotating to different angular positions. The same telescope measures MTF at various field angles and can test different optical parameters sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple specialized telescopes and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having multiple telescopes rotate around a single lens, the patent inverts the approach by having a single telescope rotate around the optical axis to measure multiple lenses simultaneously in parallel, fundamentally changing the measurement architecture.
3Measurement precision
If telescopes are mounted at a great distance to prevent mutual obstructions, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the measurement system becomes massive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic rotation to allow telescopes to be positioned closer together. By rotating sequentially rather than being stationary simultaneously, the telescopes can occupy the same physical space at different times, dramatically reducing the required system footprint while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A unique electro optical design will be disclosed, implemented for MTF measurements of multiple optical elements. The measurements are performed over a wide field of view by collimators moving in parallel in a synchronized manner while maintaining accuracy. The movement is angular over a wide angle and in two perpendicular directions—pitch and yaw. By design, each said collimator element will perform its angular movement while protecting towards the center of lens under test from remote. Thus, the collimators' center of rotation will be the central point of each lens' input aperture. By shifting a tray loaded with lenses, a different batch will be tested on each sequence. The apparatus is suitable for testing both camera and lenses simultaneously. The apparatus will preferably test lenses or cameras directly on the production floor.