Optical Surface Vector Field Representation for Ray Tracing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ray tracing operations in optical lens design are computationally expensive due to the large number of rays that must be traced and complex computations required, leading to prolonged design processes.
Innovation Solution
Representing optical surfaces based on the incoming vector field of light beams, using methods such as spherical harmonics, to simplify and reduce computational steps, such as determining intersection points and surface normal vectors, thereby improving the efficiency of the design process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ray tracing methods are used to design optical systems, then accurate illumination and image characteristics can be obtained, but the computational cost is extremely high and the design process is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the optical surface representation from traditional coordinate-based functions to a vector field-based representation defined by incoming light directions. This parameter transformation enables direct computation of intersection points and normal vectors from the vector field, eliminating iterative numerical methods and significantly reducing computational time while maintaining design accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ray tracing computation process with a mathematical vector field approach. Instead of numerically tracing each ray through complex surface equations, the system uses vector field operations to directly determine ray-surface interactions, substituting computational mechanics with efficient mathematical field theory
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coordinate-based surface representation is used, then comprehensive optical design is possible, but computational operations for determining intersection points and normal vectors are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental representation parameters of optical surfaces from spatial coordinates (x, y, z) to directional parameters in a vector field. This transformation simplifies the computation of intersection points and normal vectors, as these can be directly derived from the vector field definition without complex numerical operations, thereby reducing computational complexity while preserving design versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of defining surfaces by their geometric equations and then calculating ray interactions, the patent inverts the approach by defining surfaces through their interaction with incoming light vectors. The vector field representation directly encodes the surface's optical response to incident light, making the determination of intersection points and normal vectors straightforward operations rather than complex computations
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
Significantly reduces computational operations and accelerates the optical design process, achieving an approximately 800 times performance gain in ray tracing steps and rapid convergence to optimal irradiance patterns, compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
tracing a plurality of rays that propagates from the light source, traverses through the optical system and reaches a predetermined target or targets. Each of the plurality of rays is represented based on the vector field of the light source upon reflection, refraction, or transmission through or from each optical surface
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of rays is represented based on the vector field of the light source upon reflection, refraction, or transmission through or from each optical surface
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for achieving efficient optical design are described. In one representative aspect, a method for optical design includes introducing a light source into the optical system. The light source emits illumination that is characterized as a point source, a collimated illumination, or a superposition of one or more point sources or one or more collimated illuminations. The light source is represented by a vector field comprising a plurality of vectors. The method also includes defining each optical surface of the optical system based on the vector field of the light source, tracing a plurality of rays that propagate from the light source, traverse through the optical system and reach a predetermined target or targets, and determining whether an illumination or an image characteristic at the predetermined target or targets meets preset design requirements.