Multi-Pupil Optical System with Beam Deflection for Compact Multi-Angle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical arrangements for imaging objects in different viewing directions are complex, time-consuming to assemble and align, and not compact due to the need for multiple optics, making them costly and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement with imaging optics featuring a multiple pupil diaphragm and beam deflection devices allows for parallelization of different viewing directions using a single imaging optics, reducing complexity and misalignment risks while enabling independent imaging of objects on separate image planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate optics are used for imaging objects in different viewing directions, then each viewing direction can be imaged independently, but the assembly and alignment becomes time-consuming and technically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple viewing directions into a single optical path by using a beam splitter to divide the light from different angles and direct them to separate image planes. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple separate optics, reducing assembly and alignment complexity while maintaining independent imaging capability for each viewing direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path using a beam splitter that divides the incoming light from different viewing directions into separate paths. Each path is then directed to its own image plane, allowing independent imaging while using a single optics system. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining functional independence without requiring multiple complete optical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optics are used for parallel observation in different spatial directions, then each direction can be observed independently, but the instrument volume and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple viewing directions into a single compact optical system using a beam splitter. Instead of having separate optics for each direction (which would increase volume), the beam splitter allows one optics to handle multiple directions by dividing the light paths and directing them to separate image planes, significantly reducing the overall instrument volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a beam splitter to add a spatial dimension to the optical path management. By splitting the light paths in different spatial directions and directing them to separate image planes, the system maintains multi-directional observation capability in a compact form factor, effectively using dimensional arrangement to resolve the volume contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optics are used for imaging different viewing directions, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the alignment and calibration becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple viewing directions into a single optics system with a beam splitter, eliminating the need to align and calibrate multiple separate optics. The single optics approach requires only one alignment and calibration process, while the beam splitter naturally directs light from different angles to appropriate image planes, significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter in the patent performs the function of automatically separating and directing light paths based on their incoming angles. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual alignment and calibration of multiple optics, as the beam splitter inherently routes each viewing direction to its correct image plane without additional adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optics are provided for parallel observation, then different spatial directions can be detected, but the risk of malfunction increases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple viewing directions into a single optics system, reducing the total number of optical components from multiple separate optics to one optics plus a beam splitter. This reduction in component count directly improves reliability by eliminating potential failure points associated with multiple independent optics while maintaining the capability to detect multiple spatial directions.
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
This configuration simplifies assembly and calibration, reduces costs and volume, and enhances stability, allowing for compact and efficient imaging of multiple viewing directions with reduced risk of malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
the respective beam paths are deflected by a beam deflection device, in particular by a mirror arrangement
Implementation Method 2
imaging optics (1), which have imaging elements (10, 12) arranged along an optical axis (A)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The arrangement has an imaging optics (1) comprising imaging elements (10, 12) arranged along an optical axis (A), with an inlet aperture and an exit aperture. Pupil apertures (16) are arranged at a region of the inlet aperture and/or the exit aperture. Beam deflection devices (20, 22) are arranged behind the inlet aperture and are assigned to pupils (EP1, EP2), which are formed by the pupil apertures. The imaging elements detect an optical path of the pupils. The deflection devices comprise mirrors (21, 23). A field stop is provided in an intermediate image plane (14) of the optics.