Pinhole Mirror Optical Multiplexer for Dual Sensor Light Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical instruments for measuring the appearance of materials with effect pigments, such as gonioapparent and goniochromatic effects, require complex mechanical setups and high manufacturing costs due to the use of multiple optical components for multiplexing light to image and reference sensors.
Innovation Solution
An optical system utilizing a pinhole mirror as an optical multiplexer to direct light to both an image sensor and a reference sensor based on the radial position of incidence, eliminating the need for separate aperture stops and simplifying the construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used for multiplexing light to image and reference sensors, then light can be directed to both sensors, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the beam splitter, aperture stops, and optical path directing elements into a single integrated optical element. This single element simultaneously performs light splitting, aperture control, and directional guidance to both the image sensor and reference sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full multiplexing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical element serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam splitter to divide light between sensors, as aperture stops to control light paths, and as a directional element to guide light to specific sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used for multiplexing light, then both sensors can receive light, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optical components into one integrated element, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and aligned. This single-element approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the capability to distribute light to both sensors
3Device complexity
If conventional optical multiplexer is used, then light can be directed to sensors, but image quality and intensity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical element incorporates locally optimized features: a first region with specific optical properties for directing light to the image sensor and a second region with different optical properties for directing light to the reference sensor. This local differentiation ensures optimal light distribution and image quality for each sensor path while maintaining overall system simplicity
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 design reduces complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring high image quality and intensity at the reference sensor, with a large depth of field for the image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
an optical multiplexer configured to receive incoming light that impinges on the optical multiplexer along the optical axis and to direct a first portion of the incoming light to the image sensor and to direct a second portion of the incoming light to the reference sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system (230) comprises an image sensor (231), a reference sensor (232), and an optical multiplexer (300). The optical multiplexer defines a first area for receiving a first portion of incoming light and a second area (320) for receiving a second portion of the incoming light. The second area radially surrounds the first area. The optical multiplexer is arranged to direct the first portion of the incoming light to the image sensor (231) and the second portion of the incoming light to the reference sensor (232). The optical multiplexer may take the form of a pinhole minor (300).