Relay Optics for Correcting Optical Distortions
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Solution Overview
Problem
High dynamic range projectors face optical distortions due to differences in light path length when a first light modulator provides a low resolution image at a normal angle and a second light modulator relays it at an off-normal angle, introducing coma and astigmatism into the image.
Innovation Solution
The system employs relay optics with an air-spaced doublet and cylindrical lenses to intentionally introduce coma and astigmatism, compensating for distortions caused by the off-normal arrangement of light modulators, using a combination of biconvex and negative meniscus lenses, and cylindrical lenses to adjust optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light modulators are arranged at off-normal angles to relay the image, then the projection geometry is improved and the final image can be relayed at a normal angle, but optical distortions such as coma and astigmatism are introduced due to different light path lengths in different areas of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing optical elements (lenses and mirrors) that pre-compensate for the coma and astigmatism distortions that will be introduced by the off-normal angle light modulators. The relay optics system is designed with specific optical power distributions that counteract the expected aberrations before they fully develop in the imaging path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary relay optics system between the two light modulators to transfer the image while compensating for distortions. This intermediary system includes lenses and mirrors with specific optical powers that act as mediators to correct the optical path differences caused by the off-normal angle arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different path lengths are used for different portions of the image in the relay optics, then the off-normal angle arrangement is achieved, but coma and astigmatism are introduced into the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different optical powers to different regions of the relay optics system. The lenses and mirrors are positioned and configured to provide localized compensation for coma and astigmatism in different areas of the image path, allowing each portion of the optical system to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall image quality.
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 configuration effectively corrects optical distortions such as coma and astigmatism, ensuring a clear and undistorted image is relayed from the first to the second light modulator and ultimately projected, maintaining image quality across the entire field.
Implementation Method 1
an air-spaced doublet comprising: a biconvex lens and a negative meniscus lens, an optical axis of the air-spaced doublet offset between the biconvex lens and the negative meniscus lens, each of the biconvex lens, the negative meniscus lens, an air space there between and an offset of the optical axis there between are selected to adjust the coma in the image
Implementation Method 2
a pair of cylindrical lenses, cylindrical with the relay optical path, each of the pair of cylindrical lenses, and a respective air space there between, selected to adjust the astigmatism in the image
Data Source
AI summary
A relay lens system is provided. The relay lens system comprises: an air-spaced doublet comprising: a biconvex lens and a negative meniscus lens, an optical axis of the air-spaced doublet offset between the biconvex lens and the negative meniscus lens, each of the biconvex lens, the negative meniscus lens, an air space there between and an offset of the optical axis there between are selected to adjust the coma in an image travelling there through; and, a pair of cylindrical lenses, cylindrical with a relay optical path through the system, each of the pair of cylindrical lenses, and a respective air space there between, selected to adjust the astigmatism in the image.