Prism Optical System Reducing Size and Aberrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems are cumbersome and require a large number of parts, with an extensive effective range from the optical axis to peripheral rays, leading to increased size and height, which complicates manufacturing and affects optical performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a prism having a reduction conjugate point and a magnification conjugate point that are optically conjugate, featuring a first and second transmission surface and at least three reflection surfaces, where two light rays intersect at specific positions after passing through the first transmission surface and being reflected by the reflection surfaces before reaching the second transmission surface, allowing for a reduced effective range and size through the use of a diffractive optical element for multi-beam projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical systems are used, then optical functions are achieved, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical surfaces (first transmission surface, second transmission surface, and at least three reflection surfaces) into a single monolithic prism structure. This merging of multiple optical elements into one component directly reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the required optical functions, thereby improving ease of manufacture and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single prism structure performs multiple optical functions simultaneously: it transmits light through the first and second transmission surfaces while also providing multiple internal reflections through the reflection surfaces. This multi-functionality within a single component reduces the need for separate optical elements, addressing the contradiction between manufacturing ease and device complexity.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional optical systems with extensive effective range are used, then optical coverage is achieved, but the size and height of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple reflection surfaces within the prism to fold the optical path. By arranging reflection surfaces at different orientations and positions in 3D space, the system achieves comprehensive optical coverage (effective range) while keeping the external dimensions (size and height) compact. The light rays undergo multiple reflections in different directions within the prism, effectively utilizing internal volume to achieve coverage that would otherwise require a larger external footprint.
3Length of stationary object
If the effective range from optical axis to peripheral rays is reduced, then size is decreased, but optical performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs free-form surfaces with spatially varying local optical properties. The first transmission surface, second transmission surface, and reflection surfaces are designed with specific local curvatures and orientations that are optimized for different regions of the optical path. This local quality optimization ensures that even with a reduced effective range, the optical performance (including aberration correction and focus quality) is maintained across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes free-form surface geometry with continuously varying parameters (curvature, orientation, aspheric coefficients) to optimize optical performance. By carefully controlling the mathematical parameters defining the surface shapes, the system achieves high optical quality within a compact effective range, preventing performance degradation that would normally accompany size reduction.
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 optical system achieves a compact design with reduced size and height, improved optical performance, and enhanced 3D measurement accuracy by minimizing the effective range from the optical axis to peripheral rays, while maintaining excellent light spot clarity and reducing aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
a prism including a first transmission surface located on the reduction side, a second transmission surface located on the magnification side, and at least three reflection surfaces located on an optical path between the first transmission surface and the second transmission surface
Implementation Method 2
a diffractive optical element that spatially branches the light ray emitted from the prism
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an optical system having a reduction conjugate point on a reduction side and a magnification conjugate point on a magnification side that are optically conjugate with each other, and includes a prism including a first transmission surface located on the reduction side, a second transmission surface located on the magnification side, and at least three reflection surfaces located on an optical path therebetween, wherein in the meridional plane, two light rays traveling in a direction perpendicular to the first rectangular region from two points on the first rectangular region intersect at two intersection positions after passing through the first transmission surface and then reflected by the at least three reflection surfaces and before passing through the second transmission surface, and the number of reflection of the two light rays intersecting at each intersection position before reaching the respective intersection positions is the same.