Scaled Compound Lens via Polymer Mold Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems lack the capability to navigate and manipulate objects with precision in unstructured environments due to the inability to collect and correlate three-dimensional situational information effectively, which is essential for tasks like precision close proximity operations and autonomous vehicle navigation, as existing methods like single cameras and dual cameras with single parallax provide insufficient parallax information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for scaling up microscopic surface features, specifically creating a multiple parallax compound eye lens by using a polymer mold expansion process to replicate the complex structure of an insect eye, allowing for the production of a large-scale compound lens with multiple ommatidia that can interface with conformal detector arrays for enhanced situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If compound eyes are fabricated using current methods, then the microscopic structure is preserved, but the device size remains too small to interface with larger systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional scaling by creating multiple successive molds where each mold is larger than the previous one. The process transforms a microscopic compound eye structure into a macroscopic device through iterative size multiplication, maintaining structural fidelity while achieving interface-compatible dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested molding where successive molds are created within or based on previous molds. Each molding cycle nests the previous structure while adding scale, allowing the microscopic compound eye to be progressively enlarged through multiple nested iterations to reach macroscopic proportions.
2Loss of information
If single cameras are used for 3D vision, then the system is simple, but insufficient parallax information is collected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replicates the compound eye structure with multiple ommatidia (visual units) that naturally provide multiple parallax views. By copying the biological compound eye architecture, the system collects comprehensive parallax information without requiring complex electronic processing or multiple separate camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental viewing parameter from single-point capture (camera) to multi-point capture (compound eye array). This parameter change in the visual sampling approach enables rich parallax information collection while maintaining system simplicity through passive optical structuring.
3Loss of information
If dual cameras are used for single parallax, then some 3D information is collected, but the level of capability required for autonomous operations is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the compound eye's multi-ommatidium architecture to create multiple viewing channels simultaneously. This natural replication provides the multiple parallax levels needed for comprehensive situational awareness, surpassing dual-camera capabilities while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple active camera systems.
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 scaled-up compound lens system enables the collection of multiple parallax visual information, facilitating precision tasks in unstructured environments and integrating with larger systems, enhancing robotic capabilities for navigation and manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
A casting is then created from the polymer mold with an expandable polymer which is then linearly expanded to provide a form for creating a second polymer mold
Data Source
AI summary
Producing a scaled multiple parallax compound lens is accomplished by providing an insect eye having multiple ommatidia and creating a polymer mold of the insect eye. A casting is then created from the polymer mold with an expandable polymer which is then linearly expanded to provide a form for creating a second polymer mold. A second casting is then created from the second polymer mold. Duplication of the process can be accomplished for further scaling up of the compound lens with the final casting created using a durable polymer having appropriate optical properties for the lens.