Multi-Region Optical Element for Wide-Angle, Long-Focal-Length Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging optical systems face a trade-off between focal length and angle of view, limiting the ability to capture detailed optical information over a wide range.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with an imaging optical system and optical elements that guide light at different angles to overlap image formation regions, allowing capture of wide-angle information using a long focal length, and a controller to separate and combine image components for enhanced image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a long focal length is used to obtain enlarged optical information, then the image detail is improved, but the angle of view becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple regions (first region and second region) aligned in the optical axis direction. The first region captures light from the direct viewing angle while the second region captures light from oblique angles, allowing the system to segment the field of view and combine information from both segments to achieve both wide angle and detailed imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by adding the oblique angle viewing direction alongside the traditional direct viewing angle. By capturing light rays at multiple angles (not just the optical axis direction) and combining them through image processing, the system expands the effective field of view while maintaining long focal length benefits
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are added to guide light at different angles, then the angle of view is widened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical element performs multiple functions by being divided into multiple regions that handle different light paths. The same optical element captures both direct and oblique angle light, eliminating the need for separate optical components for each function and thus reducing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If light is guided through multiple regions to capture wide-angle information, then the angle of view is improved, but light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical element are optimized for their specific functions. The first region is designed to efficiently capture direct angle light while the second region is designed for oblique angle light, ensuring that each region operates at optimal efficiency and minimizes light loss for its intended purpose
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 the capture of enlarged optical information over a wide range with reduced light loss and improved image accuracy, facilitating high-reproducibility and distance measurement.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system configured to focus incident first light and form an image
Implementation Method 2
an optical element including multiple regions that are aligned in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the optical system and include a region on an object side and a region on an image side located closer to the image side than the region on the object side, the optical element being configured to guide second light whose principal ray is incident on the optical system at a different angle with respect to the optical axis of the optical system from an angle of a principal ray of the first light, to an image formation region of the first light by way of the multiple regions
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical device includes an optical system and an optical element. The optical system focuses incident first light and forms an image. The optical element guides second light to an image formation region of the first light by way of its multiple regions. The multiple regions are aligned in a direction parallel to the optical axis in the optical element. The multiple regions includes a region on the object side and a region on the image side. The image formation region of the second light coming by way of the region on the object side and the image formation region of the second light coming by way of the region on the image side overlap each other.