Optical Imaging Device Orthogonal Beamsplitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical imaging devices are limited in their ability to split an initial image into four or more images with distinct optical characteristics, as they typically only produce three images along a single axis or orthogonally spaced multiple images, failing to provide the desired level of image separation and focus adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging device with a first and second optical layer, utilizing beamsplitting elements and movable reflective means to create multiple optical pathways that are orthogonally directed, allowing for the production of four separate images with adjustable horizontal and vertical separation, and focus adjustment at different depths without changing magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary lenses are added to focus at different depths, then focus adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single auxiliary lens is designed to serve multiple functions: it focuses images at different depths along the optical axis while maintaining identical magnification for all focused images. This multi-functional design enables depth adjustment capability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one lens handles what would otherwise require multiple specialized components.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple beamsplitting elements are used to create four or more images, then image separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical pathways using beamsplitting elements that divide the initial image into four separate images arranged in a 2x2 grid pattern. Each beam pathway is independently directed to a quadrant detector, allowing parallel processing of multiple images without requiring sequential manipulation, thus managing complexity through systematic division.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-axis image splitting to two-dimensional image separation by arranging four images in a 2x2 grid pattern on the quadrant detector. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture and analysis of multiple images at different depths and positions, increasing the quantity of extracted information without linearly increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reflective means are made movable to adjust image separation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reflective means (mirrors) are mounted on rotatable carriages that can dynamically adjust their position and angle. This dynamic configuration allows real-time modification of beam pathways and image separation distances without redesigning the entire optical system. The carriages enable continuous adjustment of horizontal and vertical separation independently, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
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 formation of four non-overlapping images with different optical characteristics, allowing for precise control over image separation and focus, minimizing optical aberrations, and optimizing beam paths for improved imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
beamsplitting elements and at least two reflective means within the first optical layer
Implementation Method 2
orthogonally spaced multiple images are produced... orthogonally directed from the first optical layer to a second spaced apart optical layer
Implementation Method 3
each optical pathway representing an image with defined optical characteristics and being focussed within the second optical layer
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an optical imaging device (10) for splitting an initial image into images with different optical characteristics, wherein the device (10) comprises a plurality of beamsplitters (16, 26, 28) and at least first (20, 20') and second (34, 38, 46, 48) reflective means arranged to create multiple images adjustably separable in two orthogonal directions, characterised in that the first reflective means is rotatable about a first axis (24) and the second reflective means is rotatable about a second axis (56), the second axis (56) orthogonal to the first axis (24). The beamsplitters (16, 26, 28) are located in a first optical layer to create multiple optical pathways directed substantially orthogonally from the first optical layer to a second spaced apart optical layer. Each reflective means (20, 20', 34, 38, 46, 48) can be moved translationally relative to its rotational axis.