Overlapping Optical Systems for Image Shape Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for characterizing and encoding images by shape content are rigid and inflexible, leading to limitations in quality, size, optical layout, and cost, with little tolerance for imperfections in optical components and their placement.
Innovation Solution
A non-rigidly coupled, overlapping optical system that uses a segmented radial spatial light modulator to sectorize and filter the Fourier transform of an image, allowing for flexible placement and adjustment of components, and projects the filtered image onto a detector for characterization and encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid optical systems are used for Fourier transform spatial filtering, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase, and tolerance for component imperfections decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical system flexible rather than rigid. The spatial light modulator is positioned at an angle to the beam axis, and the system allows for adjustable component placement while maintaining functional coupling. This dynamic arrangement provides tolerance for component imperfections and simplifies manufacturing while preserving measurement precision through the maintained optical relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the optical system by positioning the spatial light modulator at a specific angle (between 0 and 45 degrees) relative to the beam axis. This parameter change transforms the system from a rigid configuration to one that is more tolerant of manufacturing variations. The angular positioning and overlapping arrangement allow the system to maintain its Fourier transform spatial filtering function while reducing complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If rigid optical systems with precise component placement are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic geometric arrangement where the spatial light modulator is angled relative to the beam axis rather than being rigidly perpendicular. This dynamic configuration creates an overlapping optical path that is inherently more tolerant of component placement variations, making the system easier to manufacture while maintaining spatial filtering accuracy through the preserved optical relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by having the first optical system (Fourier transform generation) and the second optical system (spatial filtering and projection) overlap and interpenetrate in space. The spatial light modulator is positioned within the beam path at an angle, creating a nested arrangement where filtering occurs within the existing optical path without requiring separate, precisely aligned systems, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
3Device complexity
If non-angled positioning of spatial light modulator is used, then optical path simplicity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to feedback and blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the spatial light modulator at a non-zero angle (between 0 and 45 degrees) relative to the beam axis, breaking the symmetry of conventional perpendicular arrangements. This asymmetric positioning eliminates harmful feedback paths and reduces image blurring while maintaining a relatively simple optical path. The angled configuration ensures that reflected and scattered light does not return to the source or create interfering patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled spatial light modulator acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the incoming beam and the filtering function. By positioning it at an angle, it intermediate the optical path in a way that prevents direct feedback loops while maintaining the necessary spatial filtering capability. The angled orientation serves as a mediator that decouples the filtering function from the beam path, eliminating harmful interactions.
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 enhances the flexibility and tolerance of optical systems, improving image characterization and encoding quality while reducing constraints on size and cost, enabling more efficient storage, searching, and retrieval of image data.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical system produces a Fourier transform pattern of the image at a Fourier transform plane
Implementation Method 2
A non-rigidly coupled, overlapping optical system that uses a segmented radial spatial light modulator to sectorize and filter the Fourier transform of an image
Implementation Method 3
projects the filtered image onto a detector for characterization and encoding
Data Source
AI summary
Non-rigidly coupled, overlapping, non-feedback optical systems for spatial filtering of Fourier transform optical patterns and image shape characterization comprises a first optical subsystem that includes a lens for focusing a polarized, coherent beam to a focal point, an image input device that spatially modulates phase positioned between the lens and the focal point, and a spatial filter at the Fourier transform pattern, and a second optical subsystem overlapping the first optical subsystem includes a projection lens and a detector. The second optical subsystem is optically coupled to the first optical subsystem.