Optical Instrument Illumination Control With Selectable Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical instruments face challenges in efficiently illuminating the field of view while minimizing waste heat and illumination outside the field of view, particularly in instruments with changeable viewing directions.
Innovation Solution
A light control device with controllable input coupling and multiple light transfer devices, allowing illumination light to be directed into different directions based on the viewing direction, using a controllable input coupling device and drive mechanism to synchronize light distribution with the viewing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single light source is used to illuminate all viewing directions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination intensity within the field of view cannot be optimized and waste heat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into multiple light transfer devices (first, second, third light transfer devices) that correspond to different viewing directions. Each light transfer device receives and transmits illumination light independently, allowing selective illumination optimization for each viewing direction while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a controllable input coupling device that can dynamically direct illumination light to different light transfer devices based on the current viewing direction. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to adapt illumination distribution in real-time, optimizing illumination intensity within the field of view without requiring multiple fixed light sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If illumination light is emitted into different illumination and viewing directions, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to illumination outside the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional characteristics to different light transfer devices, with each device optimized for its specific viewing direction. The controllable input coupling device directs illumination light locally to the appropriate light transfer device based on the current field of view, ensuring that illumination energy is concentrated where needed and minimizing energy waste in non-observed regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the current viewing direction as feedback to control the input coupling device, which in turn directs illumination light to the appropriate light transfer devices. This feedback mechanism ensures that illumination is always directed to match the observed field of view, adapting to different viewing directions while minimizing energy waste by avoiding illumination of non-observed regions.
3Measurement precision
If higher illumination light intensity is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the illumination paths for different viewing directions into distinct light transfer devices. This separation allows the system to concentrate illumination intensity precisely where needed (within the field of view) while eliminating or reducing illumination in other directions, thereby maintaining high image quality without excessive heating of the optical instrument or observed object.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable input coupling device dynamically adjusts which light transfer devices receive illumination light based on the current viewing direction. This dynamic control ensures that high illumination intensity is applied only when and where necessary for optimal image quality, while minimizing overall energy consumption and reducing heating effects on the optical instrument and observed object.
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
Enhances illumination intensity within the field of view while reducing waste heat by minimizing illumination outside the field of view, optimizing light utilization and reducing heating effects.
Implementation Method 1
each light transfer device comprising a light entry surface and at least one light exit surface and being provided and designed to transfer illumination light from the light entry surface to the at least one light exit surface
Implementation Method 2
a controllable input coupling device for controllably input coupling illumination light, which is created by a light source, into the light entry surface of at least one selectable light transfer device
Data Source
AI summary
A light control device for controlling the illumination direction for an optical instrument comprises a plurality of light transfer devices, with each light transfer device comprising a light entry surface and at least one light exit surface and being provided and designed to transfer illumination light from the light entry surface to the at least one light exit surface and with illumination light that was input coupled into the light entry surfaces exiting in different illumination directions through light exit surfaces of different light transfer devices; and a controllable input coupling device for controllably input coupling illumination light, which is created by a light source, into the light entry surface of at least one selectable light transfer device.