Optical Sensor System for Focal Point Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical measurement techniques for passive components in optical devices are time-consuming, increasing manufacturing costs and inefficiencies in determining focal points and meeting manufacturing tolerance requirements.

Innovation Solution

The use of sensor systems, such as confocal sensors and white light interferometers, to quickly and accurately determine the focal point of optical systems by matching the focal point of the optical system with the sensor system, allowing for fast and precise scanning of multiple devices and calculation of flange focal length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional optical measurement techniques are used to determine focal points of passive optical components, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but measurement time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal point measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning measurement systems with a sensor system that uses optical fields to detect focal points. The sensor system includes a sensor element array and processing circuitry that optically captures and processes light patterns to determine focal point locations, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the focal point information through the sensor system. Instead of physically scanning through the optical system, the sensor captures a light pattern that represents the focal point location, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple points and rapid determination of focal characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional measurement methods are used for optical components, then comprehensive measurement data can be obtained, but manufacturing cost increases due to time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical component tolerance verificationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical measurement procedures with an optical sensing system that rapidly captures focal point data. The sensor system with array elements and processing circuitry provides comprehensive measurement data needed for tolerance verification without the mechanical scanning overhead, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous measurement operation where the sensor system can rapidly sequence through multiple measurement points without mechanical repositioning delays. The electronic control and processing allow continuous data acquisition and analysis, eliminating idle time between measurements and improving overall manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach enables efficient and accurate measurement of focal points and distances, facilitating the adjustment of optical devices to meet manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using a sensor system to detect light that passed through the optical system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

using a sensor system that includes an astigmatic optical element to detect light that passed through the optical system, and determining an extent of mismatch between a location of the focal point of the optical system and a location of a focal point of the sensor system based on an image of the detected light detected by the sensor system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAstigmatism:

Data Source

PatentUS9945756B2Measurement of focal points and other features in optical systems

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 AMS OSRAM ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD

AI summary

Identifying a location of a focal point of an optical system includes, in some implementations, using a sensor system to detect light that passed through the optical system, and determining a location of a focal point of the optical system based on a location of a focal point of the sensor system that substantially matches the location of the focal point of the optical system.