Two-Plane Optical Device for Arbitrary Beam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical testing tools require complex and costly multi-axis platforms to align and calibrate light beams, which are cumbersome and inefficient for applications like AR/VR/MR and magnified imaging that need precise light beam directionality.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a plate containing an exit pupil and multiple rows of optical elements in two planes, including beam splitters and mirrors, allowing for precise control of light beams in various directions with limited movement, enabling the generation of arbitrary output beams without large setup adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-axis platform-mounted total stations are used to provide light beams in various directions, then the capability of disposing light beams in various directions is improved, but the device complexity and form factor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent rows of optical elements (beam splitters and mirrors) arranged in two planes. Each row can independently direct light beams in specific directions, replacing the need for a single complex multi-axis platform. This segmentation allows versatile beam direction control while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane multi-axis platform to a two-plane configuration of optical elements. By distributing optical elements across two distinct planes with different orientations, the system achieves enhanced directional control capability in three-dimensional space without requiring a large form factor multi-axis platform.
2Measurement precision
If specialized mounting or alignment jigs are constructed to align entrance pupils with mounting ports, then alignment precision is improved, but the setup time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements (beam splitters and mirrors) are pre-aligned and mounted in fixed rows within two planes during manufacturing. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for complex field alignment procedures and specialized mounting jigs, allowing the device to be deployed rapidly with precise beam direction capability from the outset.
3Productivity
If an arbitrary number of output beams are generated through the same exit pupil, then the efficiency of beam generation is improved, but the precision of beam direction control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beam generation process into multiple independent optical rows, each responsible for directing beams in specific directions. This segmentation allows simultaneous generation of multiple output beams through the same exit pupil while maintaining precise directional control for each beam through its dedicated optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-plane optical element configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates arbitrary numbers of output beams, controls their directions precisely, and maintains a compact form factor. Each optical row is multi-functional, capable of directing beams in various directions while contributing to the overall efficient beam generation capability.
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
Enables the simultaneous production of multiple output beams in precise directions with high confidence and precision, reducing the need for extensive setup adjustments and preventing errant beams from exiting, thus ensuring accurate calibration and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
each row of optical elements in the first plane including: at least one beam splitter... the at least one beam splitter at the first plane is configured to transmit an incident beam to one of a subsequent optical element at the first plane and a subsequent optical element at the second plane before being reflected to exit through the exit pupil
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rows of optical elements disposed substantially in a second plane, the optical elements in the second plane include mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing an output beam in a direction, the device including a plate including an exit pupil; a plurality of rows of optical elements disposed substantially in a first plane, each row of optical elements in the first plane including: at least one beam splitter; and a plurality of rows of optical elements disposed substantially in a second plane, the optical elements in the second plane include mirrors, wherein the second plane is disposed between the exit pupil and the first plane, wherein the at least one beam splitter at the first plane is configured to transmit an incident beam to one of a subsequent optical element at the first plane and a subsequent optical element at the second plane before being reflected to exit through the exit pupil.