Optical Data Insertion Viewer With Diffuser Screen for Wider Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data insertion devices face challenges in providing clear and aligned optical data overlay on viewer devices without image intensifiers, due to the small numerical aperture of light guiding devices, which limits visibility and alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffuser screen between the objective and eyepiece lenses in the viewer device to scatter and expand the inserted light, allowing for a wider viewing angle and reduced distortion, while maintaining alignment with the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a light guiding device with a small exit aperture is used to minimize obstruction to the aperture, then the obstruction to the aperture is minimized, but the numerical aperture is small which limits visibility and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the light guiding device and the viewer's eye. The diffuser screen receives the collimated light from the light guiding device and redistributes it in multiple directions, allowing the viewer to see the optical data from various angles without requiring precise alignment. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the small aperture constraint from the alignment requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light guiding device has a small numerical aperture to minimize aperture obstruction, then aperture obstruction is minimized, but the inserted data can only be seen with precise eye and light guiding device alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser screen acts as a mediator that transforms the collimated light from the light guiding device into divergent light rays. This allows the optical data to be viewed from multiple angles, significantly improving viewing angle flexibility and eliminating the need for precise alignment between the viewer's eye and the light guiding device.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser screen changes the angular parameter of the light distribution. Instead of maintaining a narrow, collimated beam with small numerical aperture, the diffuser screen redistributes the light into a wider angular range, effectively increasing the viewing aperture and allowing flexible viewing positions.
3Device complexity
If no diffuser screen is used, then the system is simpler, but the virtual image of the injected data is essentially the same size as the exit aperture which requires precise alignment to be seen
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser screen is a simple yet effective intermediary component that significantly expands the effective viewing aperture. By adding this single element, the viewing aperture expands from the small exit aperture size to a much larger effective area, allowing the optical data to be seen from multiple positions and angles without requiring complex multi-component systems.
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 clear and expanded visibility of optical data over a wider viewing aperture, reducing alignment constraints and minimizing distortion, even without an image intensifier.
Implementation Method 1
the diffuser screen re-emits or scatters the inserted light from a point in the real image constructed by the objective lens into a wide cone of light not dependent on the incoming angle
Implementation Method 2
The objective lens can receive light from the light guiding device output aperture and thereby construct a real image within the viewer
Implementation Method 3
which is then presented as a virtual image to the eye via the eyepiece lens
Data Source
AI summary
A viewer for an optical data insertion device and a combined system comprising a viewer and an optical data insertion device. The optical data insertion device comprising a projector operable to project a visible image and a light guiding device operable to direct light from the projector into the viewer. The viewer comprising an objective lens, an eyepiece lens and a diffuser screen provided between the objective lens and the eyepiece lens.