Reimaged Optical Position Encoder for Thermal Imaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the position of components in optical systems require separate opto- or electro-mechanical encoders, adding size, weight, power, and cost to the system.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the optical system's own detector to encode the position of a component through reimaging techniques, where a reflector on the component reimages the detector onto itself, allowing the position to be encoded on the thermal imaging detector, which can be passive in infrared systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate opto- or electro-mechanical encoders are attached to components, then position determination capability is improved, but system size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position encoding function with the existing optical components by placing reflective features directly on components like mirrors and beam splitters. The detector that already exists for optical detection is reused to read the position encoding, eliminating the need for separate encoding and detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector serves dual purposes: detecting optical signals for the primary function and detecting reflected light from encoding features for position determination. The optical components serve both their primary optical function and act as carriers for position encoding information through integrated reflective features.
2Measurement precision
If separate position measuring devices are added, then position accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position measurement capability is merged into the existing optical detection path. The same detector used for primary optical detection also detects the position encoding reflected from components, combining two measurement functions into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components themselves (mirrors, beam splitters) carry the position encoding information through their reflective features, making them self-describing regarding their position. The system uses its own existing detector to read this self-encoded information, eliminating external measurement devices.
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 eliminates the need for bulky position measuring devices, providing accurate position determination without additional mechanical encoders and is entirely passive in infrared systems, enhancing system efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflector located on the optical component, wherein the at least one reflector is configured to reimage the thermal imaging detector onto itself
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Optical position encoding mechanisms and methods for use in reimaged optical imaging systems. In one example, a reimaged optical imaging system includes an imaging detector, an optical component, and at least one light source coupled to the optical component and configured to be reimaged onto the imaging detector, wherein a position of an image of the at least one light source at the imaging detector encodes a position of the optical component relative to the imaging detector.