Prism-Based Optical System for Multi-Location Surface Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging and projection apparatuses struggle to focus on multiple locations due to their design focusing on surfaces orthogonal to the optical axis, leading to inaccurate object recognition and projection on surfaces with depth differences, and are expensive due to the use of sculptured surface mirrors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a prism in the optical path between the imaging or display element and the lens, forming a virtual image of the light receiving or display surface in the prism, with a focusing surface conjugate to the virtual image via the lens, allowing for multiple focal points and reducing system size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reflection mirror with a specific aspect is disposed between the imaging element and lens to focus on an inclined surface, then the focusing capability on non-orthogonal surfaces is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the use of sculptured surface mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical path parameters by introducing a prism that alters the direction and convergence of light rays. The prism modifies the optical path length and angle for different field positions, enabling focus on inclined surfaces through parameter transformation rather than complex mirror surfaces. This approach achieves the desired focusing capability with standard optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a prism as an intermediary optical element between the imaging element and lens. This mediator component redirects and refracts light to create the necessary optical path differences for inclined surface focusing, replacing the need for complex sculptured mirrors while achieving the same functional effect through a simpler intermediary component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reflection mirror is used to focus on multiple locations, then the versatility of the optical system is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the prism serve multiple functions: it acts as both a beam director and a focus adjuster for multiple locations. By positioning the prism at a specific location in the optical path and designing it with appropriate refractive properties, a single component achieves what would otherwise require multiple separate optical elements, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-location focusing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of beam direction control and focus adjustment into a single prism component. Rather than using separate mirrors or lenses for each function, the prism integrates multiple optical functions in one element, simplifying the overall optical system architecture while achieving versatile multi-location focusing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the optical system is designed to focus on surfaces orthogonal to the optical axis, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to surfaces with depth differences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical path parameters by introducing a prism that alters the direction and convergence of light rays. The prism modifies the optical path length and angle for different field positions, enabling focus on inclined surfaces through parameter transformation rather than complex mirror surfaces. This approach achieves the desired focusing capability with standard optical components.
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
Enables accurate focusing on multiple locations, reducing the size and cost of imaging and projection apparatuses, facilitating improved object recognition and projection on surfaces with depth differences.
Implementation Method 1
a prism disposed in an optical path between the imaging element and the lens, wherein a virtual image of a light receiving surface of the imaging element is formed in the prism
Implementation Method 2
a lens that deflects and converges the light; and a focusing surface is at a position conjugate with the virtual image with the lens interposed therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system including: an imaging element configured to convert light into an electric signal; a lens configured to deflect and converge the light; and a prism disposed in an optical path between the imaging element and the lens, wherein a virtual image of a light receiving surface of the imaging element is formed in the prism and a focusing surface is at a position conjugate with the virtual image with the lens interposed therebetween.