Optical Camera Array With Beam Deflection For Multi-Field Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring imaging properties of optical systems, such as the modulation transfer function, face challenges in densely arranging cameras to capture light patterns from multiple field positions due to spatial constraints, limiting the number of field positions that can be measured effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with a light pattern generating system and an array of cameras, where beam deflection elements are used to redirect light away from the optical axis, allowing cameras to be arranged in multiple planes and levels, increasing the number of field positions that can be measured without the need for dense camera placement near the reference axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate camera is arranged for each section of the light pattern to measure imaging properties at multiple field positions, then the number of measurable field positions increases, but the spatial arrangement becomes difficult and cameras cannot be positioned close enough together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of cameras to a three-dimensional spherical arrangement. Cameras are positioned on the surface of an imaginary sphere surrounding the optical system, allowing measurement of imaging properties at numerous field positions without spatial interference. This dimensional transition enables dense camera placement by utilizing the third dimension (radial distance from optical axis) in addition to the conventional two-dimensional plane.
2Quantity of substance
If cameras are arranged close together to measure multiple field positions, then more field positions can be measured, but light cannot enter the cameras from the desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging cameras on a spherical surface rather than a flat plane, each camera can be positioned at a unique angular position around the optical system. This allows light from different field positions to enter each camera from its optimal direction, even when many cameras are densely arranged. The spherical geometry ensures that cameras facing different directions do not block each other's light paths.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of cameras is increased to measure more field positions, then measurement coverage improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical arrangement allows cameras to be distributed uniformly over the sphere's surface, utilizing angular coordinates (azimuth and elevation angles) rather than just planar coordinates. This geometric distribution simplifies the structural support requirements compared to dense planar arrangements, as cameras can be mounted at various heights and radial distances while maintaining optimal spacing and light paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement task is segmented into multiple independent camera units, each responsible for capturing light from a specific field position. The spherical arrangement naturally segments the measurement space into discrete angular zones, with each camera handling a specific portion of the total field of view. This segmentation allows for modular design and simplified individual camera mounting structures.
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 enables the measurement of a large number of field positions by efficiently utilizing space, allowing for a more extensive and symmetrical arrangement of cameras, thereby enhancing the capability to assess imaging properties across the entire half-space of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one beam deflection element which is arranged between the optical system and the at least one camera in such a way that it deflects the light incident on the at least one camera away from the reference axis of the optical system
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A device (10) for measuring an imaging property of an optical system (12) generates a light pattern on a focal plane (26) of the optical system (12). The device comprises an arrangement of N cameras (280; 2811 to 2814, 2821 to 2828) which are separated from one another. Each camera has an objective (30) and a light sensor (32) which is arranged on a focal plane of the objective. The cameras are arranged on a face opposite the light pattern generating device (14) such that each camera detects the image of precisely one section of the light pattern by means of the camera light sensor, said image being produced with the aid of the optical system. According to the invention, at least one beam deflecting element (4211 to 4214, 4221 to 4228) is arranged between the optical system and at least one of the cameras (2811 to 2814, 2821 to 2828) so as to deflect the light (271, 272) striking the at least one camera from a device reference axis (24) along which the optical system is oriented.