Pinhole-Mirror Optical Multiplexer for Aligned Dual-Sensor Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement devices for determining optical properties of a sample surface, such as multi-angle spectrophotometers, require complex mechanical setups and high manufacturing costs due to the use of separate optical components like beam splitters and precision mounts for multiplexing light to image and reference sensors.
Innovation Solution
An optical system using a pinhole mirror as an optical multiplexer to multiplex incoming light to an image sensor and a reference sensor, reducing complexity and cost by integrating the multiplexer with aperture stops directly into the pinhole mirror design, allowing for alignment without separate diaphragms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate optical components like beam splitters and precision mounts are used for multiplexing light, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam splitter function and aperture stop function into a single integrated optical component. The beam splitter is designed with different transmission characteristics for its two surfaces, eliminating the need for separate aperture stop components and precision mounts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter to separate light paths, as an aperture stop to define the measurement spot, and as a mounting element to position the image sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining the precision required for accurate measurements
2Measurement precision
If separate optical components like beam splitters and precision mounts are used for multiplexing light, then optical alignment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam splitter, aperture stop, and mounting functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for multiple separate parts that would require precise alignment during assembly, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining optical alignment through the integrated design
3Device complexity
If a pinhole mirror design is used for the optical multiplexer, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but light intensity to the reference sensor may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the beam splitter. The first surface has high transmission for the measurement spot region while the second surface has high transmission for the surrounding region. This local differentiation ensures that sufficient light intensity reaches both the image sensor and reference sensor while maintaining the simplified integrated design
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
The pinhole mirror design simplifies construction, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures precise alignment, providing a large depth of field for the image sensor while maintaining high intensity at the reference sensor, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of optical measurements.
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
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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 mirror (300).