Optical Observation Instrument with Tilting Mirror Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical observation instruments with multiple stereo channels face challenges such as large installation volume, high costs, complex mechanical designs, and significant light losses due to the need for mechanical or liquid-crystal shutters and double optical components, which hinder efficient switching and image recording.
Innovation Solution
An optical observation instrument with a common main objective and tilting mirror matrix that deflects partial ray bundles to a shared image sensor, eliminating the need for mechanical or liquid-crystal shutters and reducing optical component duplication, while using light traps to minimize stray light and aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate image receivers and separate imaging optical systems are provided for both stereoscopic partial ray paths, then the stereoscopic images can be recorded simultaneously, but the installation volume increases and costs increase due to double optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both stereoscopic partial ray paths to image onto a single common image receiver through a common main objective. The optical system merges the two separate stereo channels into one imaging path, eliminating the need for separate image receivers and reducing the number of optical components while maintaining stereoscopic recording capability
Solution Approach 2:
The common main objective serves multiple functions by handling both stereoscopic partial ray paths simultaneously. The single image receiver records both stereo channels through time-sequential switching, making the system more compact while maintaining full stereoscopic functionality
2Ease of operation
If mechanical shutters are used to switch between partial ray paths, then light passage can be controlled, but vibrations and noise are generated and the switching frequency cannot be modified abruptly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical shutters with an optical switching mechanism using a movable mirror or beam splitter that directs light from different partial ray paths to the common image receiver. This optical switching system eliminates mechanical vibrations and noise while allowing abrupt modification of switching frequency, as it relies on optical rather than mechanical movement
3Speed
If liquid-crystal stops are used to switch channels, then high frequency switching is possible, but light losses of at least 50% occur due to polarization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid-crystal stops with an optical switching mechanism using a movable mirror or beam splitter. This substitution eliminates the need for polarization-based switching, thereby avoiding the 50% or greater light losses inherent in liquid-crystal technology while maintaining high switching frequency capability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mirror or beam splitter acts as an intermediary optical element that redirects light from different partial ray paths to the common image receiver. This intermediary mechanism enables channel switching without requiring polarization control, thus preserving light intensity while achieving high-speed switching
4Measurement precision
If Greenough-type systems with completely separated optical components are used, then partial images can be correctly adjusted stereoscopically, but the installation volume increases and production and adjustment demands are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two completely separated optical systems of Greenough-type into a unified system with a common main objective. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and adjusted separately, greatly simplifying production and adjustment while maintaining stereoscopic image quality through the unified optical path
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 solution minimizes light losses, reduces mechanical complexity, and allows for flexible stereo basis adjustment, enabling efficient and high-contrast image recording with reduced installation volume and costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each tilting mirror element has a first tilt position and at least a second tilt position. The tilting mirror matrix at least indirectly, i.e. optionally via optical deflection elements, deflects the first partial ray bundle in the direction of the image sensor when the tilting mirror elements are in the first tilt position. By contrast, the tilting mirror matrix at least indirectly deflects the second partial ray bundle in the direction of the image sensor when the tilting mirror elements are in the second tilt position.
Implementation Method 2
uses light traps to minimize stray light and aberrations
Data Source
AI summary
An optical observation instrument has two optical transmission channels for transmitting two partial ray bundles (9A, 9B). The optical observation instrument has a main objective (1) common to the optical transmission channels, an electronic image sensor (7) for sequentially recording the partial ray bundles (9A, 9B), an intermediate imaging optical system (3) between the main objective (1) and the image sensor (7) and common to the optical transmission channels, and a tilting mirror matrix (5) between the main objective (1) and the image sensor (7). The intermediate imaging optical system (3) is arranged so that the respective partial ray bundle (9A, 9B) is deflected toward the image sensor (7) and passes the intermediate imaging optical system (3) both on the way from the main objective (1) to the tilting mirror matrix (5) and on the way from the tilting mirror matrix (5) to the image sensor (7).