Simultaneous Multiple Surface Optical Design for Aspheric Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging optics design methods face challenges in achieving perfect image mapping with a limited number of surfaces, as they often require computationally intense iterative searches and lack closed-form solutions for ray intersections, especially when dealing with aspheric surfaces, and do not account for decentered objects and pupils, which are crucial for practical applications like wide-angle projection and binoculars.
Innovation Solution
The development of a new version of the simultaneous multiple surface (SMS) method that calculates multiple rotational aspheric surfaces directly, allowing for design with both meridian and skew rays, enabling the creation of optical systems with higher control over imaging quality and addressing the limitations of previous methods by considering decentered objects and pupils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If standard optimization procedures are used for imaging optics design, then the design process can be automated, but the solution is limited to local optima and depends heavily on the initial guess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical surface into multiple zones (meridional and skew ray zones) and applies different design procedures to each zone. This allows the complex optimization problem to be divided into manageable segments that can be solved more effectively, avoiding the local optimum trap while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the design space by considering both meridional and skew rays simultaneously, and by using a more comprehensive parameter space that includes higher-order aspheric terms. This expanded dimensional approach allows escape from local optima by exploring previously inaccessible design regions.
2Measurement precision
If aspheric surfaces are used to improve imaging quality, then fewer surfaces are needed, but closed-form solutions for ray intersections are no longer available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mathematical parameters by using polynomial expansions to represent aspheric surfaces and by transforming the ray intersection problem into a solvable form through appropriate coordinate systems and approximation methods. This allows maintaining aspheric surface benefits while managing calculation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary computational steps and approximation methods that serve as mediators between the complex aspheric surface geometry and the ray tracing calculation. These intermediaries (such as iterative solution methods and polynomial fits) make the otherwise intractable calculations manageable.
3Ease of operation
If conventional design methods are used, then calculation procedures are simpler, but decentered objects and pupils cannot be properly accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal design procedure that handles both centered and decentered optical systems within a single framework. The method is versatile enough to accommodate various configurations (wide-angle projection, binoculars, compact lenses) without requiring separate design approaches, thus improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable calculation complexity.
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 enables the design of advanced optical systems with improved imaging quality by directly calculating multiple rotational aspheric surfaces without restrictions, allowing for precise control of ray bundles in phase space, which is essential for applications like wide-angle projection and compact lenses.
Implementation Method 1
A ray originating at coordinate point (x,y) on the object must arrive at the image coordinate (mx, my)... each point on the object typically radiates flux in all forward directions... enters the optical system aperture
Implementation Method 2
Devices for such an application also including mirrors are disclosed in prior art patents... XX off axis (application: wide angle projection)
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a method of calculating an optical surface comprises calculating a meridional optical line of the surface. A ray is selected that passes a known point defining an end of a part of the optical line already calculated. The optical line is extrapolated from the known point to meet the ray using a polynomial with at least one degree of freedom. The polynomial is adjusted as necessary so that the selected ray is deflected at the extrapolated optical line to a desired target point. The polynomial is added to the optical line up to the point where the selected ray is deflected. The point where the selected ray is deflected is used as the known point in a repetition of those steps.